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The Arm AGI CPU: A New Era of In-House SiliconFor the first time in its 35-year history, Arm Holdings is stepping out from behind the licensing model to manufacture its own silicon. The company revealed the Arm AGI CPU at an event in San Francisco, a production-ready processor designed specifically for AI inference in data centers. Unlike its traditional business model of licensing designs to giants like Nvidia and Apple, Arm has developed this chip using its own Arm Neoverse family of CPU IP cores.This strategic pivot is backed by a robust ecosystem of launch partners, including Meta, which is the chip's first customer. Other key partners include OpenAI, Cerebras, and Cloudflare. The chip is already ready for order, signaling that Arm is moving aggressively to capture value in the booming AI infrastructure market.The Critical Role of CPUs in AI InfrastructureWhile GPUs have dominated headlines for training large language models, Arm is highlighting the often-overlooked importance of the central processing unit (CPU) in modern AI racks. Arm argues that the CPU is the pacing element of modern infrastructure, responsible for managing thousands of distributed tasks, including memory allocation, storage scheduling, and data movement across systems.Infrastructure Management: CPUs ensure that distributed AI systems operate efficiently at scale.Market Constraints: The demand for high-performance computing is exacerbating global supply chain issues, with Intel and AMD recently informing Chinese customers of extended wait times due to CPU shortages.Cost Implications: These supply constraints are contributing to rising prices for computer hardware.Breaking the Licensing Model: A Strategic Bet on CompetitionThe release of the Arm AGI CPU represents a historic deviation from the company's founding principles. For decades, Arm has operated as a pure-play design licensor, allowing partners to manufacture chips based on its architecture. However, the company is now poised to compete directly with many of its biggest customers.Majority-owned by the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank Group, Arm's move suggests a desire to capture more of the value chain. By building its own silicon, Arm can offer a more integrated solution for AI workloads, potentially undercutting or complementing the offerings of its licensees. This shift challenges the traditional semiconductor ecosystem and sets a precedent for other IP licensor to consider building their own hardware.The Future of Chip Architecture in the AI RaceArm's entry into manufacturing signals a new phase in the AI chip wars. As the industry moves toward specialized silicon for inference, the line between design houses and manufacturers is blurring. We can expect to see more IP licensor developing their own chips to ensure they have control over the performance and efficiency of the hardware powering the next generation of AI models.

Around 15 years ago, Ashley Markle was introduced to a culinary curiosity that would later become a global phenomenon. While staying at her aunt's house, she encountered a small, plastic-wrapped biscuit that would forever change her perception of cookies. What began as an unknown airline snack evolved into one of the fastest-growing biscuit brands in the US, with Markle becoming an unwitting early adopter of what would become a cultural movement.The spiced caramel biscuit, created in 1932 by Belgian company Lotus, has experienced remarkable peaks in popularity over the past decade. From being described as 'crack in a jar' in 2014 to becoming a staple in freakshakes in 2016, the brand has consistently found new ways to capture consumer interest. The pandemic home-baking boom in 2021 propelled Biscoff into social media stardom, with chef Jon Watts demonstrating multiple Biscoff recipes on daytime television.In January 2026, Biscoff experienced another viral surge, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, where users obsessively shared recipes for a 'Japanese cheesecake' featuring the biscuits. Markle, a social media creator specializing in snack recipes, has seen her Biscoff-related content accumulate millions of views, including a cheesecake recipe that garnered over 4 million views and a two-ingredient cookie recipe with 5.6 million views.The phenomenon extends beyond social media. A teacher named Raj developed such an affinity for Biscoff that he purchased multiple boxes, declaring: 'I'd smoke Biscoff if I could.' At his school, colleagues use the biscuits as incentives for students to attend tutoring sessions, demonstrating the brand's cultural penetration.Food industry experts attribute Biscoff's success to several converging trends. Lisa Harris, co-founder of food consultancy Harris and Hayes, explains: 'Biscoff isn't a single trend in itself, more an expression of various converging trends.' The brand taps into nostalgia, accessible indulgence, and versatility, allowing it to appear in everything from drinks to ice cream to desserts.The brand's partnerships with other companies exemplify modern 'collab culture', with Harris noting that products with distinctive flavors often develop a life of their own among consumers. 'Fans run with it and feel as if they have ownership over the product as much as the brand itself does,' she observes.Lotus Bakeries has responded strategically to the social media buzz. The company is removing the Lotus embossing from biscuits, replacing it with the word Biscoff to better resonate with younger shoppers. Niamh Leonard-Bedwell, fast-moving consumer goods editor at The Grocer, notes: 'In the week to January 17, their volume sales were up 30% on the same time last year.'The business impact has been substantial. In its 2025 annual results, Lotus announced a 10% revenue increase, with more than half coming from the Biscoff brand. The company has expanded internationally with factories in the US and Thailand, with founder's grandson Jan Boone declaring: 'We want to conquer the world.'Despite its sweet reputation, Biscoff is venturing into savory territory with recipes like prawns in Biscoff sauce and creamy Biscoff duck breast. However, chef Jon Watts remains skeptical about these applications, preferring the biscuit's traditional uses in desserts and treats.Industry analysts believe Biscoff's universal appeal will sustain its popularity. Unlike divisive trends like matcha, Biscoff offers a 'quite universally likable flavor' that balances novelty with familiarity. As Kiti Soininen of Mintel notes: 'If it's that sort of safe adventure, where it's got that newness, that freshness, but it's pairing that with familiarity – that hits the mark with a lot of people.'Despite growing concerns about ultra-processed foods, Biscoff's traditional positioning may insulate it from criticism. There's a disconnect between how products are classified and consumer intuition, with Soininen observing: 'If my grandmother can have bought this then it can't be truly ultra-processed.'With retailers developing Biscoff-inspired products including porridge, tea, popcorn, and breakfast cereal, the trend shows no signs of abating. As Markle predicts: 'I don't see anybody deciding that they don't like Biscoff any more.'

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that the government is considering providing support for household bills next winter, as the energy price shock triggered by the Iran conflict shows no signs of abating. Speaking to the Commons liaison committee, Starmer emphasized the need to examine 'every lever that's available' to help households cope with the cost of living impact. The government is reportedly discussing contingency plans at an emergency Cobra meeting, which will be attended by the governor of the Bank of England. Starmer suggested that any support would likely be targeted at the poorest households, rather than a universal bailout, which he acknowledged would be expensive. Ministers are also exploring means-testing support when the next energy price cap comes to an end in June, as well as in the autumn when energy consumption and bills are higher. 'We're looking at in the first instance what happens when the current price cap ends, which is the end of June,' Starmer said. The prime minister warned that despite US President Donald Trump's decision to postpone airstrikes on Iran's power plants, the energy crisis could continue for months to come. 'All of our focus and energy has to be in the swift de-escalation, but we've got to plan on the basis that it could go on for some time,' he said. In addition to support for household bills, the government is considering giving the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) 'further teeth' to prevent companies from exploiting the crisis through price gouging or profiteering.

Palantir, a leading AI and data analytics company, has secured a major contract with the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to leverage its AI technology for detecting financial wrongdoing. This deal marks a significant expansion of Palantir's presence in the UK, where it has already embedded its technology in the NHS, police, and military. The contract, valued at over £500m, enables Palantir to access terabytes of data gathered by the FCA, providing it with an unparalleled view of the inner workings of British authorities and the City of London, a global financial hub. Campaign groups have expressed concerns over Palantir's work with public authorities, citing its previous involvement with controversial entities such as the US Department of Homeland Security and the Israel Defense Forces. However, the company continues to secure lucrative contracts in the UK. The FCA aims to utilize Palantir's AI technology to better detect signs of wrongdoing, such as money laundering and fraud, which account for approximately 40% of all crimes in the UK. The regulator's workplan for 2025-26 includes expanding the use of data and intelligence to identify and act on high-risk firms and individuals. However, experts warn that the use of AI in detecting financial wrongdoing may lead to new challenges, such as criminals adapting to evade detection by using techniques like invisible 'white text' in documents to instruct AI systems to ignore incriminating information. Prof Michael Levi, an expert in money laundering at Cardiff University, notes that while there are concerns about data privacy, the use of AI technology can also help target corporate holdings and shell companies used for illicit activities.

England rugby is at a critical juncture following its fifth-place finish in the Six Nations, marking the team's least successful championship in half a century. The Rugby Football Union has initiated a thorough review with remarkable speed, with insiders emphasizing that the process aims to support head coach Steve Borthwick rather than punish him. Despite the disappointing campaign, Borthwick is expected to remain in his position through the summer. As one well-placed source noted: "This review is about supporting Steve to make improvements. If change is needed, change is needed but it's not about punishing him." The comprehensive examination seeks feedback from both senior and younger players to understand the root causes of England's painful defeats against Scotland, Ireland, and Italy. Exeter's director of rugby, Rob Baxter, emphasized that the problems are multifaceted: "The reality is that it's never one thing that's the problem. Finishing fifth is down to a collection of things that have slowly added up and then multiplied." The review will particularly focus on what transpired in the three weeks following the first match, examining whether issues stem from culture, environment, selection, or tactics. A strategic disconnect emerged during the tournament between England's stated ambition to play vibrant rugby and their actual performance. Sale's director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, observed: "They've got quite a wide coaching team, a lot of cooks – not 'spoil the broth' but there's a lot of opinions to take in." Following the Ireland match, England appeared to revert to a pragmatic, defensive approach against Italy, only to show significant improvement when adopting a more expansive style against France. With the Rugby World Cup just 18 months away and England now ranked sixth in the world, selection decisions have become increasingly urgent. The team faces crucial choices at fly-half and center, with differing opinions on whether to prioritize experience or emerging talent. Former England center Simon Halliday advocates for continuity, particularly praising Tommy Freeman's performance against France: "He ripped them to pieces and looked really good against France. He's a frightening prospect to defend against." Concerns about England's talent pipeline have been raised following mixed results at junior levels. While the under-20 team won the championship in 2024, recent performances have been inconsistent, including a 63-33 defeat to France's under-18s and a sixth-place finish at the junior world championships. However, there are promising signs, with clubs like Bath developing significant young talent including Kepu Tuipulotu, Vilikesa Sela, and Tyler Offiah. The structure of English rugby's domestic pyramid faces scrutiny as the end of automatic promotion and relegation approaches, with an expansion league planned for 2029-2030. The gap between the Premiership and the Championship has widened, raising questions about how to provide young players with essential senior experience. Simon Gillham, chair of the Tier 2 board, acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic: "For the Champ clubs it's a case of head over heart. I'm absolutely convinced the Champ will continue to grow."

A staggering 4.9 million children died in 2024, with the majority of these deaths being preventable, according to a new UN report. The report warns that aid cuts could hinder the global goal of ending preventable child deaths. Progress towards ending preventable deaths of children under five by 2030 has slowed by 60% since 2015. UN experts are calling for sustained investment in health systems to reach this target. “No child should die from diseases that we know how to prevent,” said Unicef executive director Catherine Russell. “But we see worrying signs that progress in child survival is slowing – and at a time where we’re seeing further global budget cuts.” The report highlights that Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have persistently had the worst rates of child death, largely due to newborn deaths. The most common causes of death were premature birth, pneumonia, and trauma during birth. Infectious diseases, including malaria, were also a major cause. 100,000 children died directly from severe acute malnutrition – with the highest numbers in Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan. Aid cuts are threatening to close lifesaving facilities, humanitarian workers warn. “We are not moving far enough or fast enough and leaving 5 million [children] under the age of five vulnerable,” said Abdurahman Sharif, senior humanitarian affairs director at Save the Children. Aid cuts have affected 6,600 health facilities, with a third forced to close. Experts warn that without sustained investment, progress in reducing child deaths will slow further, and gains could begin to reverse.

The USAID agency was a primary financial backer of Liberia's eco-guards, who help protect species from poaching and trafficking. The eco-guards, all of whom live in forest communities, patrol for signs of illegal activity and share their findings with rangers from nearby parks and forests.In late January 2025, the SCNL learned that USAID, the eco-guards' primary financial backer, was being dismantled by the Trump administration and that funding had been abruptly suspended. The SCNL programme manager, Michael E Taire, a Liberian who lives in the capital, Monrovia, spent several days travelling over rough forest roads to break the news to the eco-guards, who were shocked and distraught.Conservation organisations large and small lost tens of millions of dollars, forcing some to function with a fraction of the resources they had expected and others to shut down programmes entirely. Efforts to address the root causes of wildlife trafficking across the globe were axed, as was USAID's forest-protection programme in the Congo basin of central Africa, one of the agency's largest and most enduring endeavours.David Kaimowitz, a longtime advocate of community-led conservation in the Amazon basin and Central America, puts it bluntly: 'We’re talking about an end to a whole era of conservation.'Diane Russell, an American anthropologist who has worked for USAID in the Congo basin since the 1980s, says the agency helped draw international attention and funding to the region’s remarkably rich remaining forests, which are home to mountain gorillas and forest elephants. It also enabled conservation to continue through extraordinarily difficult conditions.'The callous glee with which [the Trump] administration choked off aid is something I will never forgive or forget,' Kevin Starr writes.'We cannot replace USAID, but we can do big things, because we, the locals, were the engine behind what USAID was doing in this region,' Dida Fayo says.