Roger W. Watson, Author at Iba magazine

Asia is reeling from Trump's tariff salvo – is anyone winning?

07 Jul

Trump’s tariff salvo shakes Asia – is anyone benefitting?

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

The financial environment throughout Asia is facing increased unpredictability due to the recent series of tariff threats from ex-U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump's assertive approach to trade, a long-standing feature of his economic policies, is again affecting global markets, supply networks, and diplomatic interactions. With tensions climbing, analysts are debating if any side genuinely gains from this growing trade conflict.Central to the issue is Trump's revived emphasis on implementing tariffs to tackle what he views as disparities in the global trade framework. Specifically, Asian economies—numerous of which have developed their growth plans around export-oriented models—are now facing the possibility of…

The pros and cons of mouth taping for sleep

07 Jul

Mouth taping for sleep: what are the benefits and risks?

Roger W. WatsonHealth

In the continuous search for improved sleep and general well-being, mouth taping has gained attention as an unusual yet growing trend. It is suggested by some as an easy method to boost breathing, enhance sleep quality, and lower specific health risks by applying a small strip of medical tape over the lips at bedtime to promote breathing through the nose. Although the concept has garnered interest on social media, within wellness communities, and even from some medical professionals, it is crucial to thoughtfully consider both the potential advantages and the possible disadvantages of this technique.Mouth taping focuses on the notion…

Reeves disappointed after economy unexpectedly shrinks

07 Jul

Unexpected economic decline disappoints Reeves

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

The economy of the United Kingdom has faced an unforeseen shrinking, leading to a response from Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, who expressed worry about the recent statistics and the effects they could have on the nation’s recovery process. This decline has sparked new inquiries regarding the strength of the UK economy, the success of existing fiscal strategies, and the wider obstacles that persist in hindering growth.According to newly released data, the economy shrank in the most recent quarter, surprising many economists who had anticipated at least modest growth or stability. The contraction comes at a time when the…

07 Jul

Discover Italy’s hidden mosaic school

Roger W. WatsonFashion and Trends

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Italy, in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, lies a centuries-old craft quietly kept alive in a specialized school devoted entirely to the intricate art of mosaic making. While Italy is renowned worldwide for its contributions to art, architecture, and design, this particular school—little known beyond expert circles—serves as a living testament to a tradition that dates back to ancient Rome and Byzantium.The Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, situated in the town of Spilimbergo, has been training master mosaicists since the early 20th century. Though Italy’s name often conjures images of Renaissance paintings, marble…

Chris Brown pleads not guilty to more assault charges

07 Jul

Chris Brown denies new assault allegations in court

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Chris Brown, the well-known singer, songwriter, and performer, has formally entered a not guilty plea in response to recent assault charges filed against him. The development comes as the latest chapter in the artist’s legal history, which has seen several incidents over the years involving allegations of violence.The situation at hand pertains to allegations against Brown regarding a dispute that resulted in an assault charge, which led authorities to initiate an investigation and pursue legal proceedings. At a court session recently, Brown’s defense team submitted a plea of not guilty for him, paving the way for additional legal actions as…

96-year-old shares what she does to keep life vibrant. You start doing it now

06 Jul

96-year-old on how to keep life vibrant—here’s what to do

Roger W. WatsonHealth

In a time when celebrating long life is becoming more common, individuals frequently question how to not only extend their years but also enhance their quality. Though numerous people emphasize healthy eating, physical activity, and healthcare innovations, a 96-year-old lady attributes her lively and cheerful existence to something much more straightforward and yet profoundly significant: maintaining curiosity, involvement, and an optimistic outlook regardless of the situation.Her approach to life offers not just inspiration but practical wisdom that can be embraced by anyone, regardless of age. In her nearly ten decades on Earth, this remarkable woman has witnessed wars, economic downturns,…

'I can't drink the water' - life next to a US data centre

06 Jul

“I can’t drink the water” – how US data centres affect communities

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

In various parts of the United States, the swift growth of data centers—large, warehouse-style buildings that handle and manage the world's digital data—has introduced both economic opportunities and environmental worries. For some people residing near these extensive facilities, the advantages of technological investments are being increasingly eclipsed by concerns about community resources, especially water.The modern digital economy runs on data, and data centers are the backbone that keeps the internet, cloud computing, streaming, and countless other services running 24 hours a day. But keeping these enormous facilities operational, especially cooling their vast arrays of servers, requires enormous amounts of water…

South Africans fear spike in HIV infections as US aid cuts bite

06 Jul

South Africa braces for more HIV cases as US aid dwindles

Roger W. WatsonInternational

In South Africa, which is among the nations hit hardest by the worldwide HIV crisis, there is a growing sense of unease among local communities, health entities, and advocacy agencies. The worry arises due to recent reductions in financial aid from the United States government, which has been a crucial contributor to South Africa's efforts to combat HIV and AIDS for many years. As this funding decreases, there is growing concern that the advancements achieved over many years in lowering HIV infection rates might be jeopardized, possibly resulting in a rise of new cases and a decline in preventative and…

Prices are now starting to rise because of tariffs. Economists say this is just the beginning

06 Jul

Economists say tariffs are causing prices to climb—and it’s just beginning

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

Consumers are starting to notice the effect of tariffs as costs for daily products and necessary items begin to increase. Economists point out that this might be the start of a larger economic change. The consequences of tariffs, initially considered a measure for safeguarding local industries, are now impacting the finances of regular families, raising worries about impending inflation and the steadiness of the economy.The imposition of tariffs, which are essentially duties on imported items, has been a long-debated topic in international trade policy. Nations employ them to promote the consumption of domestically made products and to create fair conditions…

06 Jul

Bridge collapse kills 9 in India’s Gujarat state

Roger W. WatsonInternational

A tragic incident unfolded in the western Indian state of Gujarat when a bridge collapsed, leading to the loss of nine lives and sparking renewed debate over infrastructure safety in the country. The disaster, which occurred without warning, has left the local community in mourning and prompted authorities to launch an urgent investigation into the causes of the collapse.According to reports from the scene, the bridge gave way unexpectedly, sending several people plunging into the water below. Emergency services responded swiftly, but despite their efforts, nine individuals lost their lives in the accident. Others sustained injuries, some of them serious,…