China Ranks First In The World In AI Patents

More patents related to generative artificial intelligence have been filed by China every year since 2017 than by the rest of the world, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reported to the United Nations in Geneva, DPA reported. Examples include artificial intelligence applications such as ChatGPT or Gemini .

KEY FACTS

According to WIPO, Chinese companies and institutes registered over 38,000 patents in the field of generative AI in the 10 years to 2023.
Far behind is the US with 6,300, followed by South Korea, Japan and India. Britain is in fifth place with 714, closely followed by Germany with 708, which WIPO says has registered more patents than the UK in recent years.
The increase in patent applications worldwide also shows that the sector is booming. According to WIPO, there were a total of 54,000 patent applications in the field of generative AI between 2014 and 2023, but over a quarter of those were filed in the past year alone.

KEY QUOTE

“Generative AI has emerged as a game-changing technology with the potential to transform the way we work, live and play,” said WIPO Director General Darren Tang.

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Cyprus Reduces Fuel Tax By 8.33 Cents As Prices Continue To Rise

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 1, 2026

The latest surge in fuel prices is putting unprecedented pressure on consumer purchasing power, forcing government intervention amid volatile global energy markets. Historic highs at the pump have compelled officials to enact further consumption tax cuts in a bid to stabilize household budgets while international trends remain unpredictable.

Government Intervention And Policy Measures

Authorities plan to approve an 8.33 cent per liter reduction in consumption tax on premium unleaded gasoline and diesel, effective from April 2026. This will be the third intervention since 2022, when fuel prices rose following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and after a further adjustment in November 2023.

Historical Context And Comparative Analysis

Fuel prices have increased over recent years. In March 2022, premium unleaded stood at €1.442 per liter and diesel at €1.500. By November 2023, prices rose to €1.550 for gasoline and €1.709 for diesel. As of March 2026, gasoline reached €1.571 per liter and diesel €1.819. Compared with 2023 levels, gasoline prices increased by 1.8 cents per liter, while diesel rose by 10.9 cents.

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Global Market Dynamics Impacting Local Prices

International benchmarks continue to influence domestic fuel prices. Brent crude remains above $100 per barrel, while the price of heavy Brent oil has increased by about 58% since February 2026. Market indicators such as the Platts Basis Italy index show increases of 52% for gasoline, 89% for diesel, and 88% for heating oil. These trends affect import costs and pricing across the local market.

Consumer Concerns And The Search For Relief

The planned tax reduction may provide short-term relief for transport fuels. Heating oil prices remain higher, reaching about €1.30 per liter, approximately 6 cents above previous levels. No tax reduction has been announced for heating fuel. According to Konstantinos Karagiorgis, reliance on private vehicles increases the impact of fuel price changes on households, given limited public transport options.

Outlook And Future Considerations

The tax reduction is expected to offset part of the recent increase in fuel costs. Consumer groups, including the Cyprus Consumer Association, have called for similar measures on heating oil. Further developments will depend on global energy prices and geopolitical conditions.

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