Drones may soon lighten the load for Nepal’s Sherpas on Mount Everest. Currently being tested to transport supplies up the mountain, this could mean fewer risks for Sherpas when carrying heavy loads for climbers through Everest’s most dangerous sections. Don’t expect this to become standard any time soon though - one drone costs over $70,000.
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Scroll down to read about crypto, Eid celebrations, and AI in the media.
Stats to power your week
🔌 The race to make EVs more convenient is heating up. A new platform claims it can charge electric vehicles as fast as pumping gas. And it’s not just a flashy upgrade; it’s necessary. Charging time is ranked as one of the biggest drawbacks of owning an EV, and faster charging could be the game-changer the industry needs. GWI Automotive
🎓 UK universities are struggling financially, and if nothing changes, we could see job losses, fewer courses, and even unis shutting down. When asked about their biggest challenges, UK educators point to staff morale, budget cuts, and hiring struggles. But they’re not alone - teachers in the US report facing the exact same issues. Different countries, same headache. GWI Work (UK & US)
🤳🏼 Ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, and “influencer” is climbing the list. Early data tells us that in the Western world, 21% of boys say they want to be content creators, compared to 15% of girls. It’s even the top career ambition for boys in places like Canada and Poland. Forget astronauts - ring lights are the new rocket ships. GWI Kids
💸 Men are 76% more likely than women to say they hold cryptocurrency, the largest gap among the investment types we track. The space has long been male-dominated, reflecting similar gaps in finance and tech. But companies like Binance want that to change. They’re pushing for greater gender inclusion through education, financial literacy, and collaborative outreach. GWI Core
🏀 The annual tournament to crown college basketball champions in the US - known as March Madness due to its unpredictability - is underway. The odds of filling out a perfect bracket for the 68-team tournament? 1 in 9.22 quintillion. Yikes. Here’s an easier stat to wrap your head around - Kentucky residents are 80% more likely to watch March Madness compared to the average American. GWI USA
What’s on our radar
Google acquired Wiz in its biggest security investment ever - a clear sign it’s doubling down on cloud services. The search giant hopes to make cybersecurity more accessible for businesses and easier to use.
A new report on the role of AI in media and entertainment shows that at least 65 AI studios have launched since 2022, with more than 30 popping up in the last 14 months alone. Some trends fizzle out, but this one's only gaining momentum.
An Italian newspaper has become the first in the world to publish an entire edition created solely by AI, raising big questions about its role in journalism. Every aspect of the newspaper - including articles, headlines, summaries, quotes, and even humor - was AI-generated.
AI companies have submitted proposals to Trump’s AI Action Plan, emphasizing the need for looser copyright rules to keep America ahead of AI development.
Chobani is making its biggest investment yet to ride the high-protein wave. The goal? Meeting rising demand and broadening its product lineup beyond just yogurt.
Ready to spill the tea? People can’t get enough of matcha - literally. So much so that Japan isn’t able to keep up. Fueled by social media hype, health trends, and tourism, shops in Japan are struggling to keep up with demand, selling out of matcha almost as soon as they restock.
Chart of the week
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan. Traditionally it’s a day of community, charity, and food. But like anything else, celebrations evolve.
Compared to last year, celebrators are moving away from past traditions and looking to have a more low-key Eid - spending time with family and friends, and prioritizing rest after Ramadan. For example, home activities like baking and playing games are trending in the US.
Charitable donations and gift-giving are up slightly, both of which are a traditional focus of the holiday. Among gift-givers, 44% have planned a budget this year and are set on keeping it, an 8% increase from last year. That doesn’t mean the spirit of the holiday is fading. If anything, it’s a reminder that Eid isn’t just about big parties and extravagant feasts - it’s about community and giving.
Local lowdown
La dolce vita, without the hangover
Italy has given the world plenty to drink: espresso, Negronis, prosecco… the list goes on. But when it comes to alcohol, Italians prefer to keep things on the lighter side. In fact, they lead the world in saying they drink low or no-alcohol beverages at least once a month. And when it comes to the hard stuff? They’re far less likely than the global average to reach for brandy, tequila, vodka, or whiskey.
But don’t mistake this for a teetotaling culture. Italians are also the world’s biggest consumers of sparkling wine, so it’s clear they still love a good toast - just without the afterburn. Maybe it’s the long lunches, the multi-course dinners, or simply a national appreciation for moderation, but in Italy, less is definitely more.
And despite what you might think, this shift isn’t about health. Italians are actually less likely than the global average to describe themselves as health-conscious. Instead, when they skip the booze, it’s often for practical reasons - like being the designated driver at events. In true Italian style, it’s not about restriction, but making sure everyone gets home in one piece.
