Author: Edupreneur Editorial Team

ps5-1280x744.png

2min10470
Sony has announced a price hike for its PlayStation 5 (PS5) Digital Edition consoles in several regions, including Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The company attributes the increase to global economic challenges, such as rising inflation and volatile exchange rates. Effective immediately, the new prices are as follows: United Kingdom: £429.99 (up from £359.99) Europe: €499.99 (previously €449.99) Australia: AUD $749.95 (up from AUD $699.95) New Zealand: NZD $859.95 (increased from NZD $799.95) While the price adjustment affects the Digital Edition primarily, some markets have also seen changes in the pricing of the standard PS5 with a disc drive. Sony’s move comes on the heels of a recently imposed 24% U.S. tariff on Japanese exports, further intensifying cost pressures across the tech sector. Though the U.S. market is not affected by this price adjustment, global supply chains are feeling the strain. In response to gamer concerns, Sony has lowered the price of the Disc Drive accessory in the UK from £99.99 to £69.99, allowing Digital Edition owners to add disc functionality more affordably. Despite the price increases, industry analysts believe PS5 demand will remain strong, minimizing the potential impact on overall sales. Sony has reaffirmed its commitment to improving console availability and maintaining a high-quality gaming experience.

enbrel-1280x744.png

2min10160
Swiss pharmaceutical company Sandoz has filed an antitrust lawsuit in the United States against biotech giant Amgen, accusing it of unfairly blocking competition for its top-selling arthritis medication, Enbrel (etanercept). Sandoz claims that although its biosimilar version of the drug, Erelzi, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 2016, it has been unable to enter the U.S. market. The company alleges that Amgen created an extensive “patent thicket” — a complex web of patents — to extend Enbrel’s market exclusivity through 2029 and prevent cheaper alternatives from reaching patients. In the lawsuit, Sandoz is seeking an injunction to break through these legal barriers, as well as monetary damages. It argues that Amgen’s tactics have resulted in billions of dollars in profits while denying patients and health insurers access to more affordable treatment options. Enbrel, first approved in 1998, is widely used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and generated about $3.3 billion in U.S. revenue in 2024 alone. This legal move follows several previous court rulings that upheld Amgen’s patents. In 2020, a U.S. appeals court sided with Amgen, and the Supreme Court later declined to review the case in 2021. Amgen has yet to publicly respond to the latest legal challenge from Sandoz.

apple-inc-1280x744.jpg

2min8410
Apple has taken the lead in global smartphone sales for the first quarter of 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. The tech giant’s performance was boosted by the successful launch of its budget-friendly iPhone 16e and surging demand in major markets like Japan and India. Launched in February, the iPhone 16e starts at $599 and was designed to appeal to mid-range consumers, especially in emerging economies. Despite its price, the device comes packed with premium features, including Apple’s powerful A18 chip, a 48MP camera, a 6.1-inch display, and built-in AI capabilities powered by ChatGPT. It’s also Apple’s first smartphone to feature its in-house C1 modem. In India, Apple’s presence has grown significantly, with the company making it into the country’s top five smartphone brands for the first time during the 2024 festive season. Market share soared to around 9–10%, thanks to attractive discounts, zero-interest payment plans, and continued demand for older models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15. Globally, smartphone sales rose by a modest 3% in the first quarter. However, experts anticipate a decline in the months ahead due to economic uncertainties and rising trade tensions. Factors such as new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to dampen consumer spending. Trailing Apple in market share are Samsung, Xiaomi, vivo, and OPPO, in that order.

algeria-1280x744.png

1min5570
Algeria has given 12 French diplomatic staff just 48 hours to exit the country, escalating tensions between the two nations. France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, confirmed the development, condemning the expulsions as “unjustified” and warning that France would respond swiftly if the decision is enforced. The move appears linked to the recent arrest of three Algerians in France, one reportedly a consular employee, over their suspected involvement in the abduction of Algerian influencer and outspoken government critic, Amir Boukhors, also known as Amir DZ. This diplomatic fallout threatens recent efforts to mend strained relations between Algeria and France. The two countries have faced repeated clashes over issues like migration, France’s stance on Western Sahara, and the detention of prominent figures such as writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria. Despite a recent call between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Abdelmadjid Tebboune aimed at improving ties, this latest episode may deepen the divide.

3-4-1280x744.jpg

3min4630
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the results of the 2025 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which was conducted nationwide on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The mock exam, which is optional, serves as a preparatory exercise for candidates ahead of the main UTME. It also allows JAMB to test-run new features in a live exam setting. Key Stats from the 2025 Mock UTME: Total registered candidates: 200,113 Candidates who sat for the exam: 126,181 Absent candidates: 73,844 Biometric issues reported: 88 Results released: 115,735 Results still being processed: 10,446 How to Check Your Result: Candidates can check their Mock UTME scores by sending MOCKRESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number they used for registration. Standard SMS charges apply. JAMB acknowledged minor technical delays during the mock exam, attributing them to new innovations being piloted. The board thanked candidates and parents for their patience and cooperation. The mock UTME is part of JAMB’s ongoing efforts to improve the exam process and ensure candidates are well-prepared for the actual test. It also offers candidates a hands-on opportunity to get familiar with the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format. Candidates are advised to stay updated by visiting the official JAMB website or reaching out to JAMB support channels for more information.

gadgets-1280x744.png

1min4990
In a major shift in trade policy, the Trump administration has granted exemptions from steep reciprocal tariffs for a range of tech products mainly imported from China. The list includes smartphones, laptops, graphics processing units (GPUs), integrated circuits, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. These items were previously subject to tariffs as high as 145%, part of broader U.S.-China trade tensions. The exemption, effective retroactively from April 5, 2025, is expected to ease pressure on American tech companies such as Apple, Dell, and Nvidia, while also preventing potential price hikes for U.S. consumers. While the move offers relief to the tech sector, other tariffs remain in place. A 20% China-specific tariff introduced in March still applies to certain imports, and a new trade investigation into semiconductors is underway. According to U.S. officials, the decision aims to strike a balance between protecting American industries and ensuring that essential electronics remain affordable and accessible to consumers.

lomond-1280x744.png

2min4260
Lomond School in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, has made history by becoming the first private school in the UK to accept tuition payments in Bitcoin. The move, announced by Head Teacher Claire Chisholm during a cryptocurrency conference, is part of the school’s effort to cater to both local and international families seeking more flexible payment options. With annual fees for boarders set at £38,700, the school has partnered with FCA-registered crypto platforms CoinCorner and Musqet to securely process Bitcoin payments, converting them immediately into pounds to comply with UK financial regulations and anti-money laundering laws. According to the school, the decision was driven by a growing number of international parents looking to avoid currency conversion hassles and risks. Looking ahead, Lomond may even consider holding a portion of its funds in Bitcoin. This isn’t the school’s first step toward innovation. Lomond was also among the early adopters of the International Baccalaureate programme in Scotland and remains one of the few Scottish boarding schools open to both boys and girls. As digital currencies continue to gain ground globally, Lomond School is positioning itself as a forward-thinking institution ready to embrace the future of finance in education.

heat-1280x744.png

3min4440
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning for severe heat stress in Gombe State and 17 other Northern states, beginning April 12, 2025. This follows three days of rainfall and signals a rise in discomfort levels across the region. The affected states are: Gombe Kano Sokoto Yobe Kaduna Kwara Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Niger Kogi Ekiti Akwa Ibom Ondo Osun Benue Plateau Bauchi Taraba NiMet advises residents in these states to take precautions during the extreme heat, which includes staying hydrated, wearing light and breathable clothing, and minimizing outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with health conditions are urged to be especially cautious.

flag-1280x744.png

3min26550
After three years of intense negotiations, member countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) have reached an agreement “in principle” on how to better prevent and respond to future global pandemics. The preliminary deal, agreed upon by the organization’s 194 member states, outlines a framework for stronger international cooperation in the face of future health emergencies. It aims to correct the critical gaps exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including delays in data sharing, unequal access to vaccines, and weak public health systems. The accord emphasizes: Faster sharing of pathogen data and health information Fairer global distribution of vaccines, medicines, and protective equipment Strengthening national and global health systems However, some sticking points remain. Nations have yet to finalize how pandemic-related technologies, such as vaccine patents and manufacturing rights, will be shared equitably. Discussions on these issues are ongoing. One notable absence in the negotiations is the United States, which officially withdrew from the WHO earlier this year following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in February 2025. While the WHO has not released a detailed statement on the agreement, the finalized version of the accord is expected to be presented at the World Health Assembly scheduled for May 2025. This step marks a significant moment in global health governance, as countries move toward a more unified response to health crises that transcend borders. For updates, visit www.who.int.

argentina-1280x744.png

2min23770
The World Bank has announced a major financial boost for Argentina, pledging $12 billion to support the country’s ongoing economic reforms and job creation strategies. The announcement, made on Friday, April 11, 2025, is part of a broader effort by international partners to help Argentina restore economic stability, modernize its policies, and attract global investment. The World Bank says this support reflects strong confidence in the Argentine government’s reform agenda. As part of the plan, the funds will help strengthen public and private sector initiatives, including credit guarantees, infrastructure projects, and measures to stimulate employment. This package comes shortly after Argentina secured a $20 billion Extended Fund Facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), under which $12 billion is expected to be released immediately, and another $2 billion by June. The IMF agreement includes key reforms such as easing currency controls and adopting a more flexible exchange rate system. In recent weeks, Argentina has taken bold steps to shift its economic direction—removing major foreign exchange restrictions and allowing the peso to fluctuate within a designated band of 1,000 to 1,400 pesos per dollar. The Central Bank has also committed to gradually adjusting this range each month. Meanwhile, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is expected to announce additional financial support, reinforcing the global backing for Argentina’s economic recovery efforts. This coordinated international assistance marks a crucial turning point for Argentina as it works to regain investor confidence and rebuild a more resilient economy. For more information, visit the World Bank website.