Business — Page 15
Companies, markets, economy, finance, trade and commercial activity

Air India Pilot Tests Positive for Marijuana After Turbulence Incident
An Air India pilot has tested positive for marijuana following a flight that experienced severe turbulence, injuring 24 people. A passenger reported the pilot appeared "high" before takeoff.

Borussia Dortmund Nearing Agreement for Said El Mala Transfer
Borussia Dortmund is reportedly close to signing 19-year-old offensive player Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln. Negotiations are in their final stages, with clubs nearing agreement on a transfer fee.

Balogun Offered to Tottenham Amid Transfer Speculation
Folarin Balogun, a former Arsenal player now with Monaco, has been offered to Tottenham Hotspur by intermediaries. The striker's availability and attributes are reportedly being considered by Tottenham's manager, Roberto De Zerbi.
Joe Gelhardt Transfer Speculation: Hull City, Wrexham, and Leeds United
Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt is a transfer target for Wrexham, with Hull City also reportedly interested. A former Hull manager has urged the club to re-sign the player.

Toronto Transit Faces Major Weekend Closures: TTC, GO, UP Express Affected
Several Toronto transit lines will experience significant disruptions the weekend of August 15-16, 2026. The TTC, GO Transit, and UP Express have announced widespread service suspensions for construction.

Rhine River Hits Historic Lows in Germany Amid Drought
The Rhine River in Germany has reached historically low water levels, impacting shipping and marking a new record low. Projections indicate further declines before a potential slight increase next week.

China's EV Sales Rise as Combustion Engine Vehicles Plummet
In July, China's electric vehicle sales saw a modest increase while sales of vehicles with combustion engines experienced a significant decline. This trend highlights a shift in the automotive market, with EVs capturing a growing share.

Two Pinot Noir Vineyards Liquidated Amid Falling Grape Demand
Two companies associated with Pinot Noir vineyards have entered liquidation, with a decline in grape demand cited as the primary reason. This downturn signals challenges within the New Zealand wine industry.

S&P 500 Recovers Momentum After Earnings Season and Tech Support
The S&P 500 has recovered its upward momentum following a challenging start to earnings season and broader market concerns. Positive developments and strong performances from key technology companies have bolstered investor confidence.
Migros warns customers of phishing scam offering fake gifts
Migros is alerting its customers to a phishing scam attempting to steal financial data. Scammers are impersonating the brand to offer fake gifts or exclusive deals, directing victims to fraudulent payment pages.

Norway Sovereign Wealth Fund Discloses $1.22 Billion Stake in SpaceX
Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, has publicly disclosed a $1.22 billion stake in SpaceX, representing 0.05% of the company. The disclosure was made for the first time in an updated list of the fund's holdings.
Family Business Reinvents Air New Zealand's Iconic Lolly
Horners Confectionery, a family-owned business, secured the contract to supply Air New Zealand's iconic lollies after Cadbury Pascall closed its domestic factory. The company faced challenges recreating the lolly's recipe and wrapper.

Memphis Depay's Contract Not Extended by Corinthians Due to Finances
Corinthians will not extend Memphis Depay's contract, citing financial constraints despite previous indications of renewal. The club expressed gratitude for his contributions and trophies won.

French Economy Expected to Maintain Growth Pace, Central Bank Reports
France's economy is projected to sustain its growth momentum this quarter, with a 0.2% Gross Domestic Product increase expected. This forecast is attributed to robust performance in key sectors and moderating inflation, according to the central bank.

AFL Rebrands Canadian Division to AFL Integria™, Expanding Connectivity Solutions
AFL has launched AFL Integria™, a new division focused on integrated infrastructure solutions in Canada. This rebranding reflects an expanded vision for North American connectivity, building on AFL's existing work in the Canadian market.
Hiroshi Okuda, Former Toyota Chair Who Expanded Global Reach, Dies at 93
Hiroshi Okuda, the former chairman of Toyota Motor Corp. who significantly expanded the automaker's global presence, has died at the age of 93. Okuda was known for challenging the company's traditional leadership structure and championing the development of the hybrid Prius.

France Bans Unsolicited Telemarketing Calls
France has implemented a ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls, aiming to protect consumer peace and quiet. The new legislation allows calls only for existing contracts or with explicit prior consent, drawing praise from consumer groups but concern from businesses and Morocco.

M2S Group Surpasses $1 Billion Revenue Following Heartland Label Printers Acquisition
M2S Group's Iconex division has acquired Heartland Label Printers, a North American manufacturer of specialized labels. This acquisition pushes M2S Group's annual revenue past the $1 billion mark.
The Water Crisis Behind AI: Data Center Expansion Strains India’s Groundwater
India's rapid data center expansion, fueled by AI demand, is generating massive water footprints that threaten regional resources. Estimates suggest a 50-exchange ChatGPT session consumes half a liter of water, while national capacity projects to reach 13.56 GW by 2032.

Government Clarifies UPI Free Status Following Legislative Amendments
The Indian government confirmed that UPI transactions will remain free for consumers and most merchants despite recent legislative changes. Any future fees will be nominal, threshold-based, and managed by the NPCI to ensure system sustainability.