WTO: Global trade slows to 3.9% in 2026 amid skewed AI-led patterns (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
Global merchandise trade in volume terms has decelerated from 4.2% in 2025 to an estimated 3.9% this year, amid emerging skewed trade patterns dominated by an unexpected boom in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure investment, according to figures released by economists at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 8 October.

WTO: Global trading system faces most turbulent disruption in 80 years (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The World Trade Organization and the global multilateral trading system are navigating a period of profound instability, according to the World Trade Report 2026 - "A Critical Juncture for the World Trading System" - issued on 8 October.

Afghanistan: Smartphone ban robs female journalists of vital tool (PRIV)
(IPS, Kabul)
It has become difficult for Afghan journalists to obtain information from the authorities, who are permitted to use smartphones only with special authorization. This ban particularly affects women, for whom face-to-face interviews are not an option.