Microsoft has taken a major step toward practical quantum computing with the launch of Majorana 1, its first quantum computing chip, CNBC reports. The milestone follows nearly two decades of research and the creation of an entirely new state of matter.

Key Facts

• Pioneering a new state of matter – Microsoft claims that developing Majorana 1 required engineering a topological state, a complex quantum phenomenon that enhances qubit stability.
• Quantum architecture – The chip features eight topological qubits, built using indium arsenide (a semiconductor) and aluminum (a superconductor).
• Precision at the atomic level – Constructing the chip required Microsoft to arrange materials atom by atom, ensuring perfect alignment for quantum operations.
• The quantum advantage – While classical computers process data using bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers leverage qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously—promising breakthroughs in solving complex problems far beyond the reach of traditional systems.
• Competition in quantum computing – Microsoft joins a fierce race alongside Google, IBM, IonQ, and Rigetti Computing, all developing next-generation quantum processors.

Why It Matters

Quantum computing holds the potential to revolutionize fields like cryptography, materials science, and artificial intelligence. However, most quantum computing efforts rely on traditional qubit approaches due to the extreme difficulty of achieving a stable topological state. Microsoft acknowledges this challenge but believes its breakthrough could pave the way for more scalable and resilient quantum systems.

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What’s Next?

Unlike its Maia 100 AI chip, which will be accessible through Azure, Microsoft does not yet plan to offer cloud access to Majorana 1. Instead, the chip represents an early step toward the company’s ultimate goal: developing a million-qubit quantum processor.

Notably, Microsoft is manufacturing Majorana 1 in-house rather than relying on external fabs like TSMC. This is feasible due to the small-scale nature of its quantum research but signals Microsoft’s intent to control its most advanced chip development processes.

With quantum computing edging closer to real-world applications, Majorana 1 marks a bold move in Microsoft’s long-term quantum strategy.

For the first time since 2015, the United States has overtaken China as Germany’s largest trading partner, reflecting shifting global economic dynamics. Official data shows that declining exports to China and evolving trade patterns have reshaped Germany’s commercial landscape.

Key Trade Figures

• Trade between Germany and the US grew by 0.1% year-on-year, reaching €252.8 billion in 2024, according to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office.
• Meanwhile, China’s trade volume with Germany fell by 3.1% to €246.3 billion, ending its eight-year reign as Germany’s top partner.
• The Netherlands, traditionally a strong trading partner, ranked third with €205.7 billion in trade, down 4.2% from the previous year.
• Germany’s trade surplus with the US expanded significantly, rising to €70 billion in 2024 from €63.3 billion in 2023. This was driven by a 2.2% increase in exports to €161.4 billion, while imports from the US declined 3.4% to €91.4 billion.
• In contrast, Germany’s trade deficit with China widened, as imports from China dropped 0.3% to €156.3 billion, while German exports to China saw a steeper 7.6% decline, reaching €90 billion.

Germany’s Economic Challenges

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has struggled to sustain growth over the past five years. Once a dominant force in global trade, particularly in industrial machinery and automotive exports, the country now faces mounting competition from Chinese manufacturers. A sluggish domestic economy and geopolitical trade shifts have further compounded these challenges.

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Looking Ahead

As Germany prepares for a new government following the upcoming elections, reviving economic growth will be a top priority. Trade relations with both China and the United States will remain critical, especially as Germany navigates the policies of the next US administration. The decisions made in the coming months could shape the country’s trade strategy for years to come.

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for several widely used software products, including Windows 10, Office 2016, and Office 2019. With only a few months left, businesses must act quickly to assess their IT infrastructure and prepare for potential security, compliance, and operational challenges.

What Happens When Support Ends?

Once Microsoft discontinues support, affected software will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. This leaves systems exposed to cyberthreats, increasing the risk of data breaches and operational disruptions. Additionally, outdated software may face compatibility issues with new applications and hardware, complicating business processes.

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For industries with strict regulatory requirements—such as finance, healthcare, and government—continuing to use unsupported software could lead to compliance violations and legal risks.

What Are The Options?

1. Upgrade To Newer Microsoft Products
   • Businesses can transition to Microsoft 365 or Office 2024, both of which offer ongoing support and security updates. However, cloud-based solutions like Microsoft 365 require careful integration planning, especially in complex IT environments.
   • Windows 10 users can upgrade to Windows 11, provided their hardware meets system requirements. If an immediate upgrade isn’t possible, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a limited time—though at an additional cost.
     
2. Consider Alternative Solutions
   • Companies seeking cost-effective options might explore LibreOffice, OpenOffice, or Google Workspace. While these alternatives offer similar functionality, they may require workflow adjustments and compatibility checks.
   • Some businesses may opt to maintain legacy software with enhanced security measures. Partnering with IT specialists can help organizations navigate licensing, compliance, and cybersecurity concerns while extending the usability of older systems.

Preparing For A Smooth Transition

With the deadline approaching, businesses should start planning now. A strategic transition plan should include:

• Conducting a software audit to identify affected systems.
• Evaluating upgrade paths and cost-effective solutions.
• Strengthening cybersecurity to mitigate risks.
• Consulting IT professionals to address licensing and compliance challenges.

The end of support for Windows 10, Office 2016, and Office 2019 is a critical moment for businesses. Whether upgrading, switching to alternative platforms, or securing legacy systems, early action will ensure security, compliance, and long-term IT resilience.

Apple has wiped more than 135,000 apps from its EU App Store in what marks the largest mass removal in the platform’s history. The reason? Developers failed to comply with new transparency rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a sweeping European regulation aimed at increasing consumer protections online.

Key Facts

• February 17 was the deadline for App Store developers to declare their commercial status to continue operating in the EU.
• Data from Appfigures, reported by TechCrunch, reveals that Apple removed over 135,000 apps in just two days due to non-compliance.
• These apps aren’t permanently deleted—developers can restore them by updating their merchant information via App Store Connect.

What’s Driving The Crackdown?

The DSA, which took effect in August 2023, officially became applicable to all online platforms on February 17, 2024. Among its many requirements, it mandates platforms like the App Store to disclose the commercial status of developers, ensuring greater transparency and consumer protection.

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Who Counts As A Merchant?

Any app generating revenue—whether through downloads, in-app purchases, or advertising—is classified as a merchant under EU law. Developers must now provide their contact details, including a phone number, email, and address linked to their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) record. Independent developers face similar requirements.

The Privacy Dilemma

For small developers, this regulation poses a challenge. Many are reluctant to share personal information publicly, citing privacy concerns. As a result, thousands of apps—many likely from independent creators—have been pulled from the store.

This unprecedented purge underscores the growing regulatory pressure on tech giants and the unintended consequences for smaller players in the ecosystem. While Apple is enforcing the rules, the broader question remains: will the EU’s push for transparency come at the cost of innovation?

India may be rolling out the red carpet for Elon Musk, but the Tesla CEO could end up setting the terms of the deal—and not necessarily in New Delhi’s favor. While the electric vehicle giant is finally making moves in the world’s third-largest car market, Washington’s trade priorities could limit India’s leverage in securing the manufacturing investment it craves.

According to Reuters, Tesla has locked in locations for two stores in New Delhi and Mumbai and is actively hiring for front-end and operational roles. This has fueled speculation that Musk’s recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi might have cleared the way for Tesla to officially enter the Indian market.

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The biggest hurdle? Import tariffs. India has long used steep duties on foreign vehicles as a bargaining chip to encourage local production. Musk, however, has been reluctant to commit to building cars in India—likely because the country’s luxury EV market is still in its infancy compared to China, Tesla’s second-largest revenue source after the U.S.

Modi may now face pressure to rethink tariffs, either as a gesture toward the U.S. or to lure Tesla in. However such concessions could weaken India’s negotiating position. Trump has already dismissed the idea of Tesla using an Indian factory to bypass tariffs, calling it “unfair” to American workers. More importantly, Tesla may not need additional manufacturing capacity at all. In 2024, the company utilized only about 75% of its existing plants in the U.S., Germany, and China—a sign that it anticipates slowing global demand.

For India, the real risk isn’t just in lowering tariffs; it’s in making concessions only to end up with Tesla showrooms rather than factories. One potential bargaining chip remains: Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, which is still awaiting regulatory approval in India. But with U.S. trade policy shifting and Tesla’s global strategy in flux, New Delhi must tread carefully. Betting big on Musk could bring India long-awaited EV investment—or leave it with little more than a high-profile retail expansion.

Birkenstock sandals are an undisputed icon—embraced by counterculture movements, medical professionals, and fashionistas alike. But are they art? The German Federal Court of Justice doesn’t think so.

The Legal Battle Over Birkenstock’s Design

On February 20, Germany’s highest civil court ruled that Birkenstock’s signature sandals, while distinctive, do not qualify as art and are therefore not protected by copyright. The case, brought by the shoemaker against three competitors—including German retailer Tchibo—aimed to block the sale of similar wide-strapped, big-buckle sandals. Birkenstock claimed its designs were “copyright-protected works of applied art,” deserving of stronger intellectual property protection than ordinary consumer goods.

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However, the court disagreed, concluding that functionality and craftsmanship outweighed artistic merit in this instance.

The Design Vs. Art Debate

Under German law, copyright protection extends 70 years after the creator’s death, while design protection lasts only 25 years from the product’s launch. With some of Birkenstock’s original designs dating back to the 1970s, many had already lost design protection. The company’s legal team sought to classify them as art, arguing their “iconic design” warranted extended copyright safeguards.

However, the court determined that products influenced by technical requirements and functional constraints do not meet the threshold for copyright protection. “For a work of applied art to be copyright-protected, it must reveal a distinct level of individuality beyond mere utility,” the ruling stated.

A Legacy Beyond The Courtroom

Birkenstock’s legal setback comes as the brand continues to expand its reach. Once a favorite among hippies and healthcare professionals, the brand experienced a pop culture renaissance following Margot Robbie’s pink Birkenstock cameo in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie.

Founded in 1774 and run by the Birkenstock family for six generations, the company transitioned to new ownership in 2021 when U.S. private equity firm L Catterton—backed by French billionaire Bernard Arnault’s luxury empire LVMH—acquired a majority stake. Birkenstock went public in 2023, cementing its status as both a heritage brand and a lucrative fashion player.

While Birkenstock’s sandals may not be art in the eyes of the law, their enduring cultural impact is undeniable. Whether they remain a symbol of comfort or a statement of style, their place in fashion history is already secured.

Nearly 90% of Japanese businesses anticipate negative fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, according to a Reuters survey, underscoring mounting concerns from the world’s fourth-largest economy. As Japan remains a critical investor in the U.S. and heavily dependent on China for trade and manufacturing, the prospect of rising tariffs and escalating trade disputes is casting a long shadow over corporate strategy.

Majority Of Firms See Business Climate Worsening

In a survey conducted by Nikkei Research for Reuters between February 4 and February 14, 86% of Japanese firms reported that Trump’s policies would harm their business environment, compared to just 73% who expressed similar concerns in December. The findings signal growing unease over protectionist measures and geopolitical tensions.

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Of the companies voicing concerns, 72% pointed to Trump’s aggressive trade stance—particularly his push for higher tariffs—as the biggest threat, while 26% cited worsening U.S.-China relations as a key risk factor.

Tariffs Loom Large Over Japanese Industry

Trump’s tariff-heavy approach to trade has already left its mark. His administration has imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, slapped a 10% duty on Chinese goods, and threatened hefty levies on Canada and Mexico. Plans for reciprocal tariffs targeting countries that impose duties on U.S. exports add another layer of uncertainty.

While Japan does not tax foreign car imports, Washington has long argued that non-tariff barriers hinder U.S. automakers’ access to the Japanese market. In a fresh warning on February 20, Trump suggested auto imports could face a 25% tariff as early as April, sparking fears of widespread economic ripple effects.

“If global auto tariffs take hold, semiconductor sales could also take a hit,” cautioned an executive from a Japanese electronics firm, highlighting potential collateral damage to key industries.

Deregulation And Energy Policy Find Some Support

Not all respondents viewed Trump’s policies as entirely negative. Among those who saw potential benefits, 37% pointed to deregulation and tax cuts, while an equal percentage cited his support for fossil fuel production as a positive for business.

Despite broader concerns, 80% of surveyed companies said they had no immediate plans to alter their U.S. investment strategies, though 16% signaled a more cautious approach. During a recent meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump encouraged Japan to pour more capital into U.S. energy and technology sectors. The discussions also touched on Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, with Trump suggesting the deal might transition from an outright acquisition to an investment.

Japan’s Interest Rate Hike Sparks Debate

The survey also gauged corporate sentiment on the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) recent rate increase. While 61% of respondents supported the move, 25% believed it was premature, and 15% thought it came too late.

In January, the BOJ raised rates from 0.25% to 0.5%, citing progress toward its 2% inflation target. Some business leaders expressed concerns about the prolonged weakness of the yen, with one wholesale executive arguing that further hikes were needed to curb capital outflows.

Looking ahead, 24% of companies expect the next rate hike between July and September, while another 24% favor waiting until 2026 or later. Meanwhile, an equal percentage said no further rate increases should happen at all.

BOJ board member Naoki Tamura recently pushed for raising rates to at least 1% in the second half of the upcoming fiscal year, a move that has left businesses divided. While 44% of firms warned that a 1% interest rate could dent capital spending, 21% said the threshold for concern would be 1.5% or higher.

As Japan navigates trade tensions, monetary policy shifts, and global economic uncertainty, its corporate leaders face a challenging road ahead—one defined by caution, adaptation, and resilience.

Cyprus is making a significant leap onto the global stage in disaster management with the launch of a new space-based initiative. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence paves the way for the creation of a Regional Support Office (RSO) for the UN’s UN-SPIDER program, aimed at harnessing satellite technology to tackle disasters in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.

This strategic partnership will strengthen regional and global efforts to use space-based tools for disaster management and risk reduction. The ERATOSTHENES CoE, known for its cutting-edge research in satellite and airborne remote sensing, will host the new RSO, bringing its advanced expertise to the UN-SPIDER network.

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The new office will focus on offering technical advisory support, capacity-building in space technology, and sharing knowledge from Earth Observation data to mitigate the impact of disasters. The RSO will also play a key role in providing real-time assistance during emergencies, ranging from earthquakes and forest fires to floods and coastal erosion.

Dr. Marios Tzouvaras, Research Coordinator at ERATOSTHENES CoE, highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that the center’s extensive research in satellite imagery and data analysis will play a crucial role in disaster risk reduction. “Our collaboration with UNOOSA will allow us to apply our long-term scientific knowledge to real-world challenges, not just for Cyprus but for the entire region,” Tzouvaras said.

With the agreement set to begin in February 2025, Cyprus is poised to become a central node in UNOOSA’s mission to bring space-based disaster response solutions to the global community. This partnership marks a crucial step in the evolution of disaster management, leveraging the power of space to save lives and reduce risks across multiple regions.

A cold wave sweeping across Cyprus threatens to test the island’s energy infrastructure in the coming days. Chará Kousiappa, spokesperson for the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSOC), warned that the country could face serious challenges as energy demand surges.

“It will be a tough situation,” Kousiappa told the Cyprus News Agency. “We’re already seeing very high demand, and we’re continuously assessing the situation. We hope things will go smoothly, but we’re ready to act if necessary.”

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The cold front is expected to hit shortly, with the most critical period for electricity demand falling between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM—when renewable energy production drops off. During these peak hours, the power supply will be under significant pressure, as several key power units are offline due to scheduled maintenance or technical issues.

TSOC is closely monitoring the situation, and Kousiappa hopes that some of the power units currently under repair at the Dhekelia and Vasilikos stations can be brought back online before temperatures fall. She also emphasized the importance of energy conservation, urging the public to reduce electricity usage during peak hours and shift high-energy tasks, like laundry and dishwashing, to the day when solar power is at its peak.

As Cyprus braces for a difficult few days, authorities are calling on citizens to play their part in ensuring the stability of the island’s power grid.

The Cyprus Center for Trustworthy AI (CyCAT) at the Open University of Cyprus (OUC) has launched PINNACLE—a groundbreaking initiative designed to evaluate AI’s role in education and system benchmarking. Backed by €150,000 in funding from the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation, the project aims to lay the groundwork for a larger Horizon Europe proposal.

AI for Everyone: A Free Course to Build Awareness

As part of PINNACLE’s first phase, OUC will roll out a fresh edition of “AI in Everyday Life”, a free, 8-week online course available in Greek and English starting 30 April 2025. The course, designed for all skill levels, explores key AI concepts and real-world applications—no technical background is required.

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Engaging the Public in AI Research

More than just an educational initiative, the course will serve as a collaborative research platform, encouraging participants to actively engage with AI-driven exercises. Their input will help shape the PINNACLE evaluation mechanisms, ensuring AI’s development aligns with public needs. Successful participants will receive a certificate of completion and gain early access to the project’s research findings.

With Cyprus positioning itself at the forefront of AI ethics and public engagement, PINNACLE could set a new standard for how societies interact with and influence artificial intelligence.