Month: February 2026

On August 1, 1828, an English captain shot himself in Chile. And thanks to that Darwin devised the theory of evolution

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On August 1, 1828, in Puerto del Hambre, Chile, an English captain shot himself in the head. He died twelve days later, in his cabin, moaning and screaming in pain. His grave is still there, decorated with nautical charts. His ship took two years, HMS Beagleto arrive back at Plymouth and when he did he had a 26-year-old aristocrat named Robert FitzRoy as captain. Along with the Titanic, the Santa María and the Nautilus, the Beagle is one of the best-known ships in the world. For five years it was the home of a very young English naturalist named Charles Darwin who, over the years, would come to state one of the most dangerous ideas ever thought of: the theory of evolution. But the story could have been different (and very different!) because of a simple nose. A captain who did not want to be alone Despite his youth, Captain FitzRoy had several things in his favor: he had commanded a ship for two years, he had completed the expedition successfully and, above all, he was the nephew of George FitzRoy, 4th Duke of Granfton. Therefore, it was not surprising that he was entrusted with another of the large number of missions that attempted to carry out hydrographic surveys of the coasts of South America. With the independence of the Latin American republics, this cartographic information was of vital importance for the British army. The only problem was that it was a terribly boring task. Without going any further, Pringle Stokesthe captain I was talking about at the beginning, fell into a very deep depression before committing suicide. That’s why FitzRoy asked for a geologist for the mission. No one disputes that, as they had already verified on the previous mission, bringing someone capable of “knowing the nature of the rocks and soils” of the regions they were visiting could be very useful. But that was only the official reason. FitzRoy didn’t want to be alone. I should have written that ‘only’ in quotes. Evidently a brig of the class Cherokee Like that one, it carried an average of 120 people in its belly. But the aristocracy has always been exquisite for its companies. The captain was looking for a gentleman with scientific interests and a university education who could be excellent company to talk to during the months of the trip. The problem was how to select that gentleman. Luckily, FitzRoy knew how to do it. The mirror of the soul Although physiognomy is as old as human beingsthe idea that people’s personalities could be known through the shape of their faces became popular thanks to Lavater, a Swiss shepherd who lived in the second half of the 18th century. And when I say popular, I say very popular. The great intellectuals of the time accepted the pseudoscientific theses of physiognomy as a proven fact. It didn’t matter who we were talking about: doctors like Charles Bellphilosophers like Herbert Spencer or writers like Balzac; Everyone looked at the drawing of eyebrows, the prominence of a chin or the shape of a nose looking for clues to understand those around them. FriztRoy too. When it became clear that none of his friends wanted to accompany him on the trip, the captain wrote to the Admiralty to find someone who, meeting the requirements, would like to accompany them. They were able to contact the University of Cambridge. After a few unsuccessful attempts, a 22-year-old young man appeared at FitzRoy’s door who, on paper, seemed perfect. But on the paper, understand me, the silhouette of his nose was not there. Oh my goodness, the nose! He was convinced that that nose was not that of a man with the energy and determination necessary for such a trip. FitzRoy did the impossible so that that guy wouldn’t step on the Beagle at any time. But eventually it became clear that he either accepted that nose or he would have to make the journey alone. And thank goodness. That nose collected dozens of samples and collections, took thousands of geological, biological and anthropological notes and, many years later, enunciated the theory of evolution. A nose named Charles Darwin. Physiognomy could change the history of contemporary biology (even if it was call evolutionary thought ‘wallacism’). So that they then say that pseudosciences are not dangerous. Send noses.

that short people cannot be police officers

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For much of the 20th century, height requirements in Spanish police forces were inherited from models designed for parades, controlling public order on horseback, and an intimidating physical image as a symbol of authority. Those scales were set at a time when police work was much less technical and professionalized than today, and they were barely revised for decades. Requirements of the past. Yes, they were times when the police forces in Spain and in much of Europe dragged access criteria born in a context very different from the current one, when authority was associated with presence and police models drew directly from military structures of the 20th century. The minimum height was then consolidated as an automatic filter that was barely revised over time, even when the police function evolved towards increasingly technical, legal and citizen-friendly tasks. Starting in the 1990s and, above all, in the last two decades, this requirement began to be questioned in courts, parliaments and administrative reforms due to its discriminatory nature and its poor relationship with the actual performance of police work, which led to its progressive elimination in many European countries and, more recently, in Spanish state bodies. Andalusia now reaches that turning point after many years of delay. End of a legacy filter. Thus, as of February 22, Andalusia will leave behind one of the most discussed requirements for access to the Local Police: the minimum height. The new decree that regulates entry, promotion, mobility and training eliminates a physical bar that for decades excluded fully qualified applicants, aligning the Andalusian local police with European practice and with other State bodies that had already abandoned that criterion. The decision is based on a clear premise: prioritizing talent, preparation and vocation over a fixed body condition that says little about the actual performance of police work. Real equality. The standard is not limited to deleting a requirement, but rather introduces conciliation measures for applicants in a maternity situation, avoiding disadvantages during the selection process and reinforcing the principle of equal opportunities. The message it’s explicit: access must evaluate capabilities and merits, not penalize personal circumstances or perpetuate barriers that are not directly related to the police function. The reinforced model. The decree redefines initial training and places it under the leadership of the Institute of Emergencies and Public Security of Andalusia, together with accredited municipal schools and the possibility of approving courses from other entities. The entry course is strictly linked to the training phase, with a minimum charge of 650 hourswhile staff internships are separated and developed under municipal supervision. In addition, the way is opened for trainee personnel to carry regulatory weapons, once again equating them to other state bodies. Unified calls. Plus: one of the keys to change is the possibility of unified callsthrough an agreement with the city councils, to centralize and streamline selective processes. The grading system “is reorganized into modules that require balanced excellence, age groups are eliminated in physical tests and an agility circuit is incorporated, already present in other models.” The syllabi are updated and the psychotechnics are divided into two phases, one during the opposition and another in the admission course, with professional endorsement. That the short ones can too. On the whole, the reform corrects a grievance that had gone on for too long: preventing access by a question of height when the profession requires judgment, preparation, endurance and commitment to public service. With this decree, Andalusia not only modernizes its Local Police, but also sends a symbolic and practical signal to thousands of applicants: the uniform will no longer depend on how tall you are, but on what you know and how you are prepared to serve. Image | Preopol In Xataka | We have the most armored and encrypted DNI in our history. The problem is that we are using it wrong. In Xataka | We have the most armored and encrypted DNI in our history. The problem is that we are using it wrong.

It is the coup de grace to traditional charcuterie and fishmongers.

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If you are a regular at Mercadona, you will have noticed that the stores are constantly evolving. Every so often new sections are opened, new services are offered, certain products disappear and bet increasingly by white labels. The company closed 2025 with a new purchase that had nothing to do with food: that of the company that has been supplying it with boxes and pallets for decades. Now we know one of the reasons. The new Mercadona T9. Mercadona pilot. It is not just an aesthetic renovation, but also a functional and conceptual one. As the media commented a few days ago FRSMercadona is testing a new type of store in Xirivella, Valencia. Known as “T9 format”, it is a prototype that seeks to optimize processes. What does this translate into? In a store more similar to those automated that we have been seeing for a few yearswith the products available and visible, well organized so that the customer puts them in the cart and their only interaction with a human is at the checkout. This format relies on a reorganization of space that, in theory, optimizes staff productivity when replenishing products while reducing both consumer waiting times and unnecessary movements. take care of yourself. As FRS points out, the shelves will now have more products directly on the pallets, with wider aisles to avoid crowding. There is also a reorganization of the categories into something called “purchase missions.” For example, the popular prepared meals are located next to the bakery, unifying sections that make sense and were previously separate. And that search for a more open space is taken to its ultimate consequences. According to the media, in the Xirivella pilot store there are almost no communicative visual elements. This translates into a lack of traditional signage and signage to identify the sections. Fishmongers. Yes. Again. Within this store format, there are two sections that are clearly affected: fishmonger and butcher. If you are one of those who are going to order sliced ​​ham or a filleted hake, if the t9 format prospers and is exported to the rest of the company’s stores, you will have to look for another fishmonger. Directo al Paladar already told us that these sections they were adapting to new needs in which current generations do not have the ease or knowledge to order a fish from the cut, prioritizing packaged products. The new format dispense of those traditional models and opts for more packaging and less assisted purchasing. Take the product and leave. No waiting, no talking to anyone, no choosing the freshest. What happens to the workers. Nothing. At least, according to Mercadona. Questioned about this in networks, the company has left to confirm that “the entire fishmonger’s team continues to be part of Mercadona.” But, if they are not attending, where are they? To other things, adapting, according to the company, “to other needs within the store and the section itself.” Click to go to X Controversy. But of course, this lack of workers in a section does not only imply knowing where they are located, but also what directly affects the customer: who is there to ask for advice about a piece, quantities or whether a product is fresh or not. There has been some complaint about it, also about the bagging of products or the queues at the checkout. Because if one of the objectives is the flow of customers, and in a Mercadona with the usual format there are already moments in which queues form at the checkout, in one in which the flow is improved in the rest of the trade, the bottleneck may be at the time of paying. It will surely be one of the aspects that Mercadona will evaluate to see if this model can be exported. Future takeaway. In any case, the different movements of Mercadona and the monopolize almost 30% of the supermarket quota, they agree, more or less like it, with the owner of the chain. Juan Roig has been evangelizing for years about the benefits of ready-to-go and ready-to-eat food, and the data proves him right. There are the potato omelettes as an example, but also ready-to-eat dishes. According to a study, the chain has a dominance of 51.2% in prepared dishes. Whether the Mercadona t9 model works or not, we will see. At the moment, it is a pilot program and, as they point out in Digital EconomyXirivella is a strategic laboratory. Images | Mercadona In Xataka | Mercadona has grown so much in Spain that for the US it is no longer just a supermarket chain: it is a “cultural phenomenon”

Xataka will launch something new and very big soon. We are looking for xatakeros who want to try it in advance

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We can’t tell you much at the moment, but xatakero, xatakera, we are looking for you (yes, to you). At Xataka we have a huge project in the works, one of the largest and most important we have done to date, and we would love to have your help to put it to the test and polish what needs to be polished. In short, volunteers wanted to try something totally new. If you are interested, are active in the Xataka community or are curious, you simply have to sign up in this form. If you cannot access it under these lines, you can also find it at this link. If you don’t see the form well, you can fill it out from here. From among all those who fill out the form, we will choose a small group to carry out this process of beta testing and give us your feedback and opinion. Thank you in advance to all of you who signed up. See you at the testing ground! Image | Philipp Katzenberger edited by Xataka

five cell phones for less than 60 euros that only serve to call and send messages

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Yesterday the news broke: the Government wants to prohibit that minors under 16 years of age have access to social networks. The proposal, which still has to go through Congress, would put in check what is probably the greatest use that this group gives to their cell phones. Will they then still want to have a smartphone? Regardless of whether this new regulation succeeds or at what age do we want to give him his first cell phonethere opens an alternative with a type of telephone that It still has a lot of use in 2026: what is known as ‘dumbphone’. Our selection of ‘dumbphones’, at a glance Samsung C5320 by 59.99 eurosa clamshell phone from the Korean manufacturer. SPC Wild by 58.69 eurosSpanish mobile available in various colors and with camera. Nokia 106 by 18.99 eurosthe most economical option. Pusokei Mini Flip Phone by 36.28 euroswith a different design from the others and space for three SIMs. SPC Stella 2 by 29.39 euroswith charging base and three speed dial buttons. A phone from the past for the people of now A ‘dumbphone’ is what is known as a phone without internet and usually has a classic design. Not all, but that usually means having a physical keyboard and a very minimalist designsometimes like those flip phones from 20 years ago. Since they are easy to use and very basic, we tend to attribute them to older people. However, they gain strength in different contexts. We have already explained the first of them above: the new regulation announced yesterday by Pedro Sánchez. We don’t know how far it will go, but It could be extended to applications like WhatsApp or Telegram for its social component. That makes this type of phone ideal for the little ones to have. a direct means of communication with their parents without having to have a smartphone or another source of distraction. But there is more. A smartphone is a double-edged sword. Yes, it is very useful because it can be used for everything. In return, we also run the risk of getting lost between applications, social networks and that tendency to scroll infinite in which we can fall easier than it seems. There the ‘dumbphone’ also shines as telephones that they make this ‘digital detox’ easier that It has been so fashionable for a few years now.. Of course, all this does not mean that, as we say, They are also perfect for the elderly. Older people tend to have it easier with physical keyboards and simple devices that get to the point. In addition, these phones have a very high autonomy of several days, ideal so that you do not have to worry so much about charging them. Some ‘dumbphone’ options for less than 60 euros Samsung C5320 A Samsung ‘dumphone’ with a clamshell design and a very old-fashioned look. Its screen is 2.4 inches and its battery is disassembled, something that will soon we will see again on smartphones. Its charging connector is micro USB and it has a 3.5 millimeter jack port for headphones. We have it available on AliExpress for 59.99 euros. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links SPC Wild With several colors available (some of them very striking), this SPC Wild is very interesting for the little ones. It also has a clamshell format and a battery that promises to offer seven days of autonomy. In addition, it has extra functions such as a flashlight or even a basic camera. Costs 58.69 euros. SPC Wild – Basic 4G Phone for Digital Disconnection and First Secure Connection | Camera, Double Screen, SOS Button and 7 Day Battery | Turquoise The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Nokia 106 This Nokia 106 will bring a smile to those of us who are already of a certain age. It is a very simple phone that does what it wants: offering calls and messages for very little (it only costs 18.99 euros). Of course, despite its price, it has dual SIM, FM radio and even the occasional game. Like the Samsung, it has a Micro USB port for charging. Nokia 106 for All Operators 4GB Dual SIM 2018 Dark Gray with LED Flashlight – FM Radio – Big Button Phone The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Pusokei Mini Flip Phone Less known than the previous ones is this Mini Flip Phone from Pusokei. This also has a dual SIM slot and even has space for a microSD. Its screen is small, but in color and it even includes a basic camera which is fine for children. What differentiates it most from the others is its design, without a doubt. Available for 36.28 euros. PUSOKEI Mini Flip Phone, 2G Flip Cell Phone with 1.77 Screen, HD Rear Camera, 16GB Memory, Large Buttons, 3 Card Slots, 1000MAh, for Children, People The price could vary. We earn commission from these links SPC Stella 2 The last one is also from the SPC brand, although this time it is the Stella 2 model. This is very ideal for older people due to the typography of the keys, although it is equally suitable for anyone. It has three quick access buttons that we can program to dial quickly. It comes with a charging base, which is a plus. Costs 29.39 euros. SPC Stella 2 – Flip Mobile Phone for Seniors, Large Buttons and Keys, Easy to Use, Remote Configuration, SOS Button, USB-C, 3 Direct Memories, Charging Base, Black The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Images | Samsung, SPC, Nokia, Pusokei In Xataka | The best mobile phones, we have tested them and here are their analyzes In Xataka | The best quality-price mobiles. Their analyzes and videos are here

China is telling us what a future full of electric cars looks like. And we already know which are the most reliable brands

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The conquest of China in the automobile industry global has made us increasingly pay attention to the country’s manufacturers and the models that are coming out every year. China leads in new energy vehiclesalthough the reliability of their cars has always been questioned. The latest report Quality test launched by the analysis firm LandRoads offers us a very interesting perspective, as it studies the models that have initially caused the least problems since their purchase. In this aspect, the ranking places the Xiaomi SU7 as the most reliable large sedan, while the Tesla Model 3 dominates among the midsize models. Below these lines we tell you all the details. What is the ranking about?. LandRoads has published its annual report on quality in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the Chinese market, analyzing 6,950 incidents reported by users. According to the report, 3,687 were quality problems and 3,263 were design-related. In the overall ranking by brand, AITO tops the list with a quality risk index of 123 points, followed by Mercedes-Benz (126) and Tesla (146). Image: ChinaEVHome. Source: LandRoads Why does it matter? The Chinese electric vehicle market is immersed in a frenetic race to incorporate more technology and functions. However, the study gives us clues that not all manufacturers are facing this battle completely well. The three main problems reported were noise (24.6% of complaints), exterior components (18%) and failures in intelligent systems (17.3%). Together they represent more than 60% of incidents, pointing out the critical points where the industry needs to improve. Categories. Highlights of the report indicate that: In medium-large sedans and above, the Xiaomi SU7 wins with an index of 108 points, well ahead of the Stelato S9 (218) and the IM L6 (237), according to LandRoads data. In midsize and compact sedans, the Tesla Model 3 leads with 104 points, followed by the Nio Firefly, BMW i3, Geely Galaxy Xingyuan and BYD Seal 06 GT. Among large SUVs, the top three spots go to AITO models: the M9 (88 points), M8 (98) and M7 (135), with the Li Auto L8 and Voyah FREE completing the top five. In medium and compact SUVs, the Avatr 07 stands out (92 points), ahead of the BYD Sealion 05 EV, Yuan UP, Tesla Model Y and Yuan Plus. In MPVs, the Voyah Dreamer records the best result with 192 points. Balance. The report also points out a phenomenon he calls a “high-equipment, high-risk concentration zone.” And according to LandRoads, as some manufacturers rapidly accumulate new features, the maturity and stability of the systems does not advance at the same pace, amplifying the risk of vehicle quality. According to the study, AITO, Xiaomi, NIO, Zeekr, Li Auto and Voyah have managed to maintain low risk rates despite offering high levels of equipment. More mature electronic architectures, better coordination with suppliers and exhaustive validation systems in all types of scenarios come into play here. Looking long term. LandRoads concludes in its study that the electric vehicle industry is moving from simply adding features and functions to the integration capacity and long-term stability of all these novel systems. Furthermore, seeing Aito above manufacturers like Mercedes or Tesla gives us clues about the transition we are experiencing and the ability of Chinese manufacturers to produce a product that lives up to it. Cover image | aboodi vesakaran and Aito In Xataka | Aid for electric cars is complicated: the Auto+ Plan comes with less money, more demands and a key question to resolve

There are electricians against the myth of electric radiators in winter

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Winter not only brings cold; It brings with it the fear of opening the mailbox and finding the energy bill. The scenario becomes complicated when we move away from the new work. Heating an old home is, today, one of the great challenges for homeowners and reformers. High ceilings, thick uninsulated walls and outdated installations turn thermal comfort into an obstacle course. In this context, many users find themselves caught between the desire for efficiency and the technical impossibility of installing the most modern systems. At first glance, the most convenient solution seems to be the electric radiator: plug and play. However, as experts warnthis convenience comes at a price. If not calculated well, these devices can easily become a “hole in the bill” at the end of the month. The reality of the brick versus technology. While Europe talks about heat pumps and decarbonization, the reality of Spanish homes is moving at a different pace. Many of the current solutions, such as underfloor heating either aerothermalare not always viable in historic or older buildings due to structural limitations. Fran Carbonell, electrician specialized in rehabilitation, explains in your TikTok account that, far from being dead, electric radiators are consolidated as an “efficient, simple and compatible alternative” with the character of these homes when it is not possible to carry out major works. Carbonell defends models such as natural stone emitters, which offer interesting thermal inertia without the need to break up floors. There is a sweepinvisible: the wiring. It is worth remembering, and this is not to put my finger on the sore spot, that 80% of the homes in Spain It has obsolete electrical installations and only 22.4% were built after the 2002 Technical Regulation. This means that before thinking about powerful systems, the house must be prepared. In fact, Carbonell himself insists on a key condition for installing radiators safely: “It is essential to carry out an independent electrical installation”, since conventional plugs Many old houses do not support the necessary power. Physics does not forgive the pocketbook. To understand why some options are more expensive than others, you have to look beyond the price of the device and look at efficiency. This is where it comes into play the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP). As explained from Xataka Homea traditional electric radiator has a ratio of 1 to 1. That is, for every kilowatt (kW) of electricity you pay, you get 1 kW of heat. However, a heat pump (aerothermal) has an efficiency of 4 or 5. You pay 1 kW of electricity, but the machine returns 4 kW of heat because it “steals” the remaining thermal energy from the outside air for free. The translation into euros. If we update the calculator to the market prices of this first week of February, the electricity bill shows a truce relative, but dangerous. A standard 1,500 W radiator on five hours a day consumes 225 kWh per month. With the average price of the wholesale market hovering around minimums thanks to renewables, the monthly cost per device today would be around 27 euros for regulated rates. However, during peak hours or with high fixed rates, that same device can skyrocket to 45 euros per month. If we multiply by four radiators for a complete home, the range ranges between 108 and 180 euros extra on the bill. So what is the best option? The short answer is: it depends on your house and your initial budget. On the one hand, the efficiency winner—if you can afford it— It is Aerothermal. OCU studies confirm that the cheapest option for the pocket in the long term is the heat pump (aerothermal), followed by biomass. An example cThis is the case of Natalia, collected by The Spanish in Novemberwho went from spending 1,300 euros per year with radiators to around 400 euros after the reform, although the initial investment was around 6,500 euros. On the other hand, if you live in an old house where you cannot raise the floor, or in an area where winter is mild, electric radiators still make sense. They are the recommended option for “specific uses or small rooms.” What if I switch to gas? If we look at the other side, natural gas is experiencing a moment of contained stability at the start of the year. According to MIBGAS datathe daily price stands at €31.72/MWh, with a forecast for March that drops slightly to €30.85/MWh. This means that the “raw material” of gas remains competitive (just €0.031/kWh before taxes), being notably cheaper than raw electricity. However, the advantage is diluted when adding the fixed costs of the bill, boiler maintenance and the lower efficiency of the system compared to aerothermal energy. Furthermore, although today the price is attractive, the volatility of the European market and regulatory pressure to eliminate fossil boilers They add a layer of long-term uncertainty for anyone considering a new installation now. Tricks that are worth money. Regardless of the system you choose, there are golden rules that physics and experts recommend to avoid throwing away money in 2026: Turning off is saving: Forget the myth that “it’s better to keep it on.” Jorge Morales de Labra, energy expertis blunt: “Even if you go down for five minutes to buy bread, it’s worth turning it off.” Maintaining the temperature in an empty house means paying for constant heat losses. The 21 degree limit: Every degree you rise above 21 ºC increases the bill by 7%. That is the invisible barrier that you should not cross. “Low Cost” Insulation: If you can’t change the windows, there are effective patches. According to Decoesferathe use of weather stripping, wool rugs and the strategic closing of blinds to avoid thermal leaks. A resistance against the cold. While aerothermal energy is crowned as the queen of technical efficiency, electric radiators resist as the necessary trench solution for an aging real estate park that does not always allow for comprehensive renovations. The best decision depends of a … Read more

that Russia has been knowing all its steps from space for years

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After the Cold War, space was conceived by Europe more like an extension of scientific cooperation and the civil market than as a domain of strategic confrontation. Thus satellites designed for television, meteorology or navigation were deployed at a time when the main concern was technical reliability and cost, not the deliberate hostility of other States. While Washington and Moscow kept alive military logic inherited and China began to build its own, Europe was establishing a functional, open and trust-dependent spatial architecture. The latest finding reveals a “big” underlying error. Hybrid warfare reaches orbit. Yes, for years, Europe assumed that space was a technical and relatively stable domain, ultimately protected by its civil and cooperative character. It so happens that recent Russian satellite activity has broken that illusion. As? In parallel with sabotage of submarine cables and other covert operations, Moscow appears to have moved its hybrid war to space, taking advantage a critical blind spot: Many European satellites were launched decades ago without modern encryption systems or advanced protection. This vulnerability, ignored for years, has turned the geostationary orbit into a new silent front where missiles are not needed to inflict strategic damage. Luch-1 and Luch-2. There is much more, since the Financial Times discovered exclusively this morning that Western authorities have been monitoring the movements of two Russian space vehicles for some time, Luch-1 and Luch-2which have performed unusual maneuvers, getting dangerously close to key European satellites and staying next to them for weeks. Since its launch in 2023, Luch-2 has approached at least 17 satellites that provide essential services to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, a pattern that, according to analystsleaves no doubt about its purpose. These approaches are not accidental: they seek to position themselves within the narrow cone of data transmission between ground stations and satellites, an ideal position to intercept signals and study their internal workings. The critical failure. The most disturbing revelation is that some of the most sensitive information circulating through these systems, including the command links that allow orbit adjustment, it is not encrypted. Put another way, that means Russia could not only have spied on civil and government communications, but also recorded enough technical data to imitate legitimate operators from land. With that knowledge, for example, a hostile actor could send fake orders to alter the orientation of a satellite, take it out of service, misalign it or even force its fall or uncontrolled drift, without the need to physically destroy it and without leaving a clear attack signature. A strategic Achilles heel. Although the Luch satellites They do not seem to have the direct ability to interfere with or destroy other devices, their value lies in the accumulated knowledge: how European satellites are used, who operates them and from where. This intelligence allows us to prepare more discreet attacks, such as Selective interference or cyber attacks coordinated from the ground, and reinforces the idea that spatial networks are the true Achilles heel of modern societies. As Russia expands its reconnaissance program with new maneuverable satellites and Europe begins to come to terms with the magnitude of the problem, the message is clear: hybrid war It is no longer fought only at sea or on dry land, but also 35,000 kilometers above our heads, the point where Europe has just discovered that had been exposed for years. Image | woodleywonderworks In Xataka | A space war looms over our heads and Europe is the power that invests the least in defense technology In Xataka | Poland and Spain are the European countries that have increased their contribution to space the most. For very different reasons

buy what others discard

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Primaprix had a turnover of 347 million euros in 2024, 24% more than the previous year. We know this thanks to the accounts for that year, which has just been deposited in the Commercial Registry and which has been published Five Days. In just four years it has quadrupled its income and has gone from 110 stores to almost 300. All this selling exclusively well-known brands, without a single white label product. Counterintuitive in a country where the white label has become a religion. Why is it important. The Primaprix model is exactly the opposite of the one dominates Spanish distribution. While Mercadona has been expelling manufacturer brands to fill the shelves with Hacendado and Deliplus, this chain has decided to do just the opposite: only top brands, but at bargain prices. The formula works because it buys what others discard. In detail. Primaprix feeds on the surpluses that large manufacturers need to liquidate: stocks leftovers, packaging changes, canceled promotions, failed launches… It also purchases products in countries where the price is lower (hence some labels come in other languages) and references with a close consumption date, but always within the legal margins. The result is discounts of between 25% and 40% on the usual market price. In some cases, up to 70%. The effect. This changing assortment generates a “treasure hunt” dynamic: what is on the shelves today may be gone tomorrow. And that urgency builds loyalty. The customer returns frequently because they know that there will always be something new at a good price. Similar to what happens, otherwise, with the news from Mercadona or Lidl’s central baskets. The chain has gained one million customers in the last year. It already reaches 3.3 million buyers. In Madrid it doubles the national average quota. Yes, but. The model has its limits: Relying on surpluses means not being able to guarantee continuity of assortment. There is no developed fresco section. And managing an inventory that rotates every week requires even more complicated logistics than usual in this sector. Between the lines. Primaprix has been able to read a change of era. After years of persistent inflation, buying at a outlet It has become normalized, it has gone from necessity to custom. Stiffness structural. And that is why the customer profile has diversified. It is no longer just those who arrive just at the end of the month, it is also young professionals and middle class households who enjoy finding a brand name shampoo or some snacks imported at half price. The figures: Turnover in 2024: 347 million euros. Growth: 24% year-on-year. Stores: about 300. Staff: almost 2,000 employees. Gross margin: 35%, above the largest in the sector. The context. The owner of Primaprix is ​​the Uruguayan investor John Pfeffera cryptocurrency enthusiast, through his Pfeffer Capital fund. The headquarters is in Luxembourg and also operates in France and Portugal, although the bulk of the business continues to be Spain. The original founder was Carlos Villarformer director of Dia in Brazil, who launched the chain in 2014. Twelve years later, its commitment to selling well-known brands at knockdown prices has shown that there was a huge gap in the Spanish market. One that no one else was occupying. Featured image | Primaprix In Xataka | Of course, Mercadona plans to apply AI in its supermarkets. To “sell lettuce”, specifically

merge sets to save costs

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Telecinco closed January 2026 with an 8.5% screen share, his worst start to the year in its entire history, even below the aggregate of the regional chains (8.7%). The fall especially affects its information services, which have recorded historic lows and have forced the group to take emergency measures. Starting next February 9, Telecinco News and Noticias Cuatro will share the set and editorial teama merger that the company presents as optimization of resources but that shows the depth of a crisis that has been dragging on for more than a year. The figures. The numbers are overwhelming: Informativos Telecinco averaged 8.1% of share with 883,000 spectators. It is the tenth consecutive month without reaching one million viewers on average, a threshold that the network had maintained for decades. Noticias Cuatro occupied the last position among the general news programs with 6.7% of share half. The paradox is that while Telecinco’s sister channel is experiencing its best moment since its relaunch two years ago, exceeding the 5.8% monthly average, its news programs fail to connect with the audience. The distance with laSexta Noticias has narrowed to the point of almost disappearing: barely two tenths separate both spaces, a gap that a year ago seemed unbridgeable and that threatens a surprise which would further sink the group’s position in the Spanish news landscape. It’s the others’ fault. Antena 3 closed January with a 12.9% shareadding its eighteenth consecutive month in the first position of the national ranking. Their news programs average 19.5% share and they chain 73 months leading the Spanish information landscape. RTVE’s 1 consolidated second place with 12.2% monthly quota, its best start to the year since 2012. Public television doubles the records of Informativos Telecinco in prime time: Newscasts perform especially well in the mornings (16.9%) and afternoons (11.3%), where they have their best data in more than a decade. Crisis since 2025. Telecinco closed 2025 with a 9.5% annual audience share, the worst record in its entire history. The chain chained consecutive monthly lows: July (9.2%), August (8%), September (9.2%), October (9.4%), November (9%), December (8.4%) and now January (8.5%). A downward trajectory that has moved it away from 9% and has placed it below thresholds that seemed untouchable. Badly informative. This space has been one of the main problems in this process. Despite the investment made in 2024 with the renovation of the set and the signing of Carlos Franganillo, the current data is lower than what Pedro Piqueras recorded before his retirement. The space has accumulated ten months without exceeding one million viewers on average, an unprecedented drought that reflects the disconnection with an audience that for years trusted the brand. The solution. Hence this new measure: from Monday, February 9, Informativos Telecinco and Noticias Cuatro will share facilities and editorial teams. Francisco Moreno, Director of News at Mediaset España, presented the decision as an operational reorganization without labor consequences. The group promises to maintain the visual identity of each news brand: Noticias Cuatro will retain its characteristic lighting, its corporate colors and its on-screen style. Programming adjustments. The reorganization is not limited to the information area. The first layoffs of the year at Mediaset have been produced in Unicorn Contentthe production company linked to Ana Rosa Quintana, as a direct consequence of the rearrangement of the schedule for 2026. The reduction in broadcast hours of ‘Vamos a ver’ has forced part of the technical and production team to be dispensed with. The move is part of a broader strategy: ‘First Dates’ has returned to Telecinco from Monday to Wednesday, ‘El Precio Justo’ returns at noon and Iker Jiménez’s ‘Horizonte’ has temporarily become a daily program on Cuatro. The economic impact. The audience crisis has a direct translation into advertising revenue. Data for the first quarter of 2025 reflects a significant decrease: Mediaset’s income in Spain fell from 180 to 167 million euros. This contraction contrasts with the 8% growth recorded in the same period of 2023. The consulting firm Infoadex estimates that during the first half of the year the group’s turnover fell by 9.4%, standing at 315.9 million euros. The failure of the big bet. A little over two years ago, Mediaset made a big bet on reinvent your information offer. Carlos Franganillo debuted at the head of Informativos Telecinco, replacing Pedro Piqueras after 18 years at the head of the space. The signing of the then star presenter of La 1’s Telediario was an unequivocal message: Mediaset was looking for prestige, credibility and a qualitative leap in its informative proposal. The operation was accompanied by a unprecedented technological investment in the chain: The new set incorporated 210 square meters of screens, augmented reality systems, three hanging vertical screens designed for mobile consumption, a spidercam and artificial intelligence tools integrated into production. Early data appeared to support the strategy. Franganillo’s debut attracted 1,559,000 viewers and reached an 11.5% share, figures higher than the average that the space had been recording. However, the audience has not connected with the proposal, and the signing of Franganillo has not managed to reverse the downward trend of the network. In Xataka | The end of ‘Caiga Quia Caiga’ is more than a blow to the audience: it illustrates that Telecinco can only trust reality shows

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