Author: Pop Card

A closer look at rare metals: uses and challenges Crucial materials for the energy transition The ongoing global energy transition has revealed the strategic importance of materials such as lithium, rare metals and other vital elements for technological advancement and economic growth. These resources present two intertwined yet distinct aspects. The first concerns their contribution to industrial progress in areas like renewable energy, high-tech manufacturing and advanced electronics – key sectors driving innovation and shaping the modern world. The second involves the challenges they pose in terms of extraction, production and global distribution, often influenced by geopolitics, unstable supply chains…

VitrA Tiles turned its Cersaie 2025 stand into an interactive experience designed to engage the senses. Arranged into four themed areas, the exhibit invited architects, designers and visitors to explore the newest advances in ceramic manufacturing, innovative applications and forward-looking design solutions. A key innovation was V-Tone, a Tonalite technology developed to resolve the long-standing challenge of shade variations between batches. With exceptional chromatic accuracy, V-Tone keeps tiles true to their intended colour, enhancing design coherence and reducing inconsistencies. The first stage of V-Tone investment is planned for March 2026, with comprehensive rollout across production lines set for completion by…

A thorough report by London journalist James Holloway has brought attention to the controversial activities of 42-year-old Ukrainian national Nikolai Fenik, igniting questions about how the UK’s refugee-assistance network is enforced. A life with two sides Fenik officially appeared to be a refugee displaced by war. Meanwhile, he pursued a lifestyle in London tied to suspect property dealings and inconsistencies in official documentation. His story has left some British citizens wondering why their own welfare entitlements seem comparatively limited. Fenik resides with his partner Tatiana Kuchmiy, who is officially recognised as a single mother raising four children. That designation allows…

Bringing together over 300 entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and key industry leaders, the Venture Vibe Deep Tech Summit in Berlin offered an inspiring platform to explore advances in quantum science, AI, biotechnology, and other future-shaping technologies. The event showcased how these innovations are driving industrial transformation and enabling global collaboration. The day commenced with thought-provoking contributions from Gokhan Celebi, Managing Partner at SilentWing, and Ulkar Shabanova, Global Project Manager at Rook AI. They emphasised how deep technologies disrupt established models and call for bold new strategies to guide the future. Their remarks set the tone for a programme that united inspiring…

Nearly 40 per cent of adults worldwide could be living with obesity by 2035. Buşra Nur Özger, founder of Nur Ozger Health in Türkiye, emphasises that bariatric surgery should be understood as only the beginning of a much longer journey that requires broad and sustained care. She points out that while the operation represents a critical turning point, recovery extends far beyond the procedure itself. Patients must commit to lifestyle changes, aesthetic care where needed, and ongoing psychological support. Drawing on her own twenty-year struggle with weight before surgery, Özger now helps patients directly, having already worked with more than…

Mileo Luxury Boutique Hotel has become a standout name in Mykonos, uniting ecological values with the allure of five-star hospitality. The 25-suite property, set on the hillside above Kalo Livadi beach, offers a boutique experience where sophistication and sustainability work seamlessly together. By making sustainability a cornerstone of its operations, Mileo has achieved both refinement and responsibility, reflected in exceptional guest satisfaction over its two years of operation. “We haven’t simply built a hotel; we’ve created a living space that elevates our guests’ environmental awareness whilst offering them a meaningful and memorable escape,” explains Yaşam Ayavefe, founder of Mileo Luxury…

Oral and dental conditions rank among the most widespread health problems globally, affecting almost 50% of the world’s population, according to WHO data. Dr Wonder Clinic highlights that such problems are not purely physical, as they can impact self-confidence, mental health, and social interactions. Erhan Ceylan from Dr Wonder Clinic commented: “As a clinic, we aim not only to provide solutions for existing problems but also to raise awareness about preventive oral and dental health measures. Preventive and regular dental care can significantly reduce the risk of disease, improve treatment success rates, and help people maintain healthy smiles for a…

Zilch, the UK-based payments fintech, has been ranked as the country’s fastest-growing private unicorn in the latest Financial Times FT1000 list, cementing its position as a leader in the sector. The company has also been recognised as the second fastest-growing fintech or financial services firm across Europe. The ranking highlights Zilch’s remarkable expansion, with a compound annual revenue growth rate exceeding 300% over the past three years. The company, which pioneered the world’s first ad-subsidised payments network (ASPN), has seen its growth trajectory confirmed in multiple independent rankings, including The Sunday Times 100 Tech 2025 published in January. Sustained Growth…

Chinese collectibles giant POP MART has reported record-breaking financial results for 2024, with revenue soaring by 106.9% year-on-year to 13.04 billion RMB (£1.45 billion). The company’s adjusted net profit also surged by 185.9% to 3.4 billion RMB (£380 million), marking a period of exceptional growth both domestically and internationally. According to the company’s latest financial report, revenue from Mainland China reached 7.97 billion RMB (£890 million), an increase of 52.3%. Meanwhile, revenue from international markets, including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, climbed 375.2% to 5.07 billion RMB (£560 million), reflecting the brand’s successful global expansion. Strong growth across key IPs…

Video game commerce company Xsolla has announced the launch of the Journey of Indies (JOIN) Program, a new initiative aimed at supporting independent and mid-tier game developers across Latin America. The programme, created in partnership with Institutio Conecta and Indie Hero, will provide developers with funding, mentorship, and commercialisation tools to help scale their businesses. It is also backed by a grant from the Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Federal District (SECTI-DF), which will fund a dedicated video game hub in Brasilia. Speaking about the initiative, Xsolla’s Chief Strategy Officer Chris Hewish said: “LATAM is one of…