Business Point Today

New rules to impose a uniform charger for devices from iPhones to electric toothbrushes have now gained the backing of European Parliament and will become law throughout the bloc. Tuesday's vote introduced in the European Union a single charging port for mobile phones, tablets and cameras by 2024, a world first that is expected to affect iPhone maker Apple more than its rivals. USB-C connectors used by Android-based devices the EU standard, forcing Apple to change its charging port for iPhones and other devices. The change had been discussed for years and was prompted by complaints from iPhone and Android users about having to switch to different chargers for their devices. Among big providers of electronic devices to European customers, Apple is expected to be among the most affected, but analysts also expect a possible positive impact because it could encourage shoppers to buy the company's latest gadgets instead of ones without USB-C. The deal also covers e-readers, ear buds

A court in the Egyptian province of Shariqa has sentenced the killer of a 22-year-old university student to death. The Zagazig Criminal Court said on Monday that the death sentence for Islam Mohamed, who stabbed Salma Bahgat in August, has been referred to the grand mufti, a ceremonial step when an execution is ordered. The mufti’s opinion is non-binding, although he has the right to review death sentences. A court session on November 3 is to announce a final verdict, including the grand mufti's deliberations. Court officials said the killer was given a psychiatric evaluation by medical professionals who determined he was sane when committing his crimes, meaning he is fully responsible for the premeditated murder, which the killer announced on social media hours before he committed it. A forensics report showed that Bahgat, who was killed in the entrance to a building in Zagazig, was stabbed 31 times. Security camera footage showed the killer pacing the lobby, holding the knife he