Libre News of The World Express Edition. Saturday the 22nd of February 2025

On this episode of Libre News of The World Express Edition, we cover key global developments shaping today’s headlines. Apple is ramping up its manufacturing in India, contributing to a 50% surge in smartphone exports, as the tech giant shifts production away from China amid growing trade tensions. Meanwhile, U.S.-Ukraine relations face strain, with reports suggesting that Ukraine's access to Starlink could be cut unless a mineral rights deal is reached. In Europe, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Slovakia to discuss regional security concerns, while President Putin instructed his cabinet to prepare for the potential return of Western companies to Russia, contingent on easing sanctions.

Security concerns intensified as Finland and Sweden launched investigations into suspected sabotage of a Baltic Sea telecom cable, and Greece detained over 100 migrants amid a spike in arrivals linked to Middle East conflicts. Sinn Féin leaders announced a boycott of the White House’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, protesting U.S. policies on Gaza. In Poland, the government plans to invest €4.4 billion from EU recovery funds into its defense sector, and Uzbekistan revealed new armored vehicles at IDEX 2025, aiming to boost its global defense presence.

On the diplomatic front, unofficial U.S.-Russia talks on the Ukraine conflict have been held in Switzerland, seeking potential paths to peace. Iran defended its Shahed drone sales at the UN, insisting there are no legal restrictions on its exports.

In business news, UK banks were fined £105 million for illegally sharing government bond information, Spain’s economic growth continues but fails to ease housing and wage challenges, and Singapore is injecting S$5 billion to revitalize its stock market.

We also spotlight cultural and environmental stories, including Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day celebrations, China’s discovery of a new bat coronavirus strain, and New Zealand naming the velvet worm its Bug of the Year.