Qualcomm is expanding its business beyond smartphones and entering the fast-growing AI data center sector. The company is positioning itself as a competitor in high-performance computing, where demand for AI processing power is rapidly increasing. Qualcomm estimates that its push into AI infrastructure could generate up to $15 billion in future revenue. This strategic shift highlights how traditional mobile chipmakers are adapting to the new AI-driven technology landscape, where data centers are becoming the core of global computing power.
IBM has announced a breakthrough in chip manufacturing with technology that allows the production of transistors smaller than one nanometer. This development represents a significant leap in semiconductor engineering, potentially enabling faster, more powerful, and more energy-efficient computing systems. The company says this innovation will play a key role in supporting next-generation artificial intelligence systems, where processing speed and energy efficiency are critical. Experts believe this could help reshape the future of high-performance computing and maintain competition in the global chip industry.
OpenAI has taken a major step beyond software development by building its first custom AI chip in collaboration with Broadcom. The chip is designed specifically for AI inference tasks, meaning it helps run trained AI models more efficiently and at lower cost. This move reflects a broader industry shift where leading AI companies are trying to control not only their software systems but also the hardware that powers them. By reducing dependence on Nvidia, OpenAI aims to improve performance, reduce infrastructure costs, and increase control over its AI ecosystem as competition in the sector intensifies.
US-Iran Tensions Escalate After Strikes and Retaliation in Strait of Hormuz
The United States has carried out airstrikes on Iranian missile, drone storage, and radar sites after President Donald Trump accused Iran of breaking a truce following an attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command said the strikes were a response to a drone attack on a commercial vessel that disrupted an evacuation operation. It described the action as a “powerful response” and said Iran’s behavior threatened freedom of navigation in a key global trade route.
Iran denied wrongdoing, saying the ship was using an unauthorized route, and accused the US of violating an interim agreement. Tehran later said it had retaliated by targeting US-linked positions in the region.
The escalation also saw reports of Iranian drone activity near Bahrain and a separate tanker strike in the Strait of Hormuz, though no casualties were reported.
Both sides continue to blame each other as tensions rise in the region, raising concerns over security in one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.
VENEZUELA – Venezuela is facing a major disaster after two powerful earthquakes struck the north of the country. At 18:04 local time (23:04 BST), a magnitude 7.2 quake hit northern Venezuela, followed just 39 seconds later by a stronger 7.5 magnitude earthquake about 28 km south-east of Yumare in Yaracuy state. It is the strongest earthquake recorded in the country since 1900.
On Thursday at around 00:50, acting president Delcy Rodríguez reported at least 32 deaths and more than 700 injured, noting that figures from the hardest-hit state of La Guaira were still not included. Emergency teams and the military were deployed as international aid began mobilizing, with the United States pledging $150 million in assistance.
By Friday morning, rescue teams from Mexico, El Salvador, Switzerland, and Spain arrived in Venezuela, with more international support expected. At around 08:30 local time, the death toll rose to 589, with 2,980 injured, and authorities placed La Guaira under military control.
Later on, Friday, officials updated the figures again, confirming at least 920 deaths and 3,360 injured. An update from Rodríguez also put the number of trapped people at 172, while tens of thousands of people are reported missing on a civilian-led rescue database.
Search and rescue operations continued into Saturday as teams worked through rubble, with officials saying they remain hopeful of finding survivors.
The Benghazi Chamber of Commerce received a delegation from the Turkish Electrical and Electronic Exporters Association at its headquarters in Benghazi.
The meeting, attended by Chamber Chairman Muneem Al-Saity and the Director of Economic and International Relations, Ramadan Boubtana, focused on exploring cooperation opportunities and reviewing Turkish expertise in electrical and electronic industries.
Both sides discussed ways to strengthen business ties and enhance cooperation between Libyan and Turkish private sector institutions.
The Chamber said the visit reflects growing interest from Turkish companies in Libya’s market and efforts to build stronger economic partnerships between the two countries.
BENGHAZI – The Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, a key development institution under Eastern region government, hosted the Libyan Businessmen’s Forum for Development and Reconstruction in Benghazi, bringing together business leaders, investors, and representatives of companies and institutions from across Libya in a first-of-its-kind economic platform.
The forum focused on investment opportunities, partnerships, and the role of the private sector in supporting the next phase of development. Discussions highlighted ongoing reconstruction projects and how they can become a foundation for economic growth, job creation, and long-term stability.
The event included dialogue sessions with business leaders and investors, as well as a speech by Engineer Belgasim Haftar, Director General of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund.
Haftar said that reconstruction is no longer just a plan or a promise, but a reality that is creating new opportunities for investment, job creation, and a stronger role for Libyan businessmen in supporting the national economy. The forum aims to connect reconstruction efforts with economic growth and encourage more involvement from the private sector in Libya’s development.
TRIPOLI – Libya has exempted Malaysian nationals from entry visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days, under a decree issued by Prime Minister of Western region government, Abdel Hamid Dabaiba.
The Libyan government said the decision comes in application of the principle of reciprocity, following Malaysia’s earlier move to extend its visa-free period for Libyan nationals from 14 to 30 days.
As part of efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and enhance food security in southern Libya, the Agricultural Projects Department of the National Development Authority conducted a field visit to several strategic projects in Wadi Ittaba Municipality.
The visit included the Tasaoua Agricultural Project, the Bargouj Agricultural Project, and the Maknousa Agricultural Project, led by the department director and a team of engineers and administrators.
The aim of the visit was to assess the readiness of the projects for the upcoming agricultural season, particularly in relation to seed planting and fruit tree cultivation, as part of a broader plan to boost agricultural production and make better use of fertile land.
Officials said the initiative reflects a wider vision focused on investing in local resources, supporting the national economy, creating job opportunities, empowering local communities, and promoting sustainable development in southern regions of Libya.
The city of Sabha is witnessing steady progress in the implementation of the Al-Shaoush Ghribal International Stadium project, carried out by the National Development Authority, a key development institution under the Eastern Region Government.
Construction works are advancing at an increasing pace and are now moving into more developed phases. As part of the progress, two tower cranes measuring 44 and 52 meters have been installed, marking a significant milestone in the project’s execution.
All 306 foundations have been completed, while backfilling works and retaining wall construction are currently underway.
The project has reached around 24% completion, reflecting steady advancement toward delivering a major sports landmark in southern Libya.
