Author: HeraldStar

Mexico is taking proactive steps to ensure the protection of its regional trade agreement with the United States and Canada, according to statements made by Deputy Economy Minister Luis Rosendo Gutierrez. In an interview with Inside U.S. Trade on Friday, Gutierrez outlined the nation’s efforts to address contentious issues such as security and migration to maintain smooth negotiations. Navigating Diplomatic Challenges The comments come in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Mexico if these matters remain unresolved. Trump has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s intent to secure tougher terms in trade deals and address concerns about…

In a move aligning with campaign promises to reverse climate-related policies, Donald Trump’s incoming administration is reportedly considering canceling the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) contracts to electrify its delivery fleet. According to sources familiar with the plans, this step would be part of a larger effort to dismantle President Joe Biden’s electric vehicle (EV) initiatives and associated climate goals. Electrification Plans Under Threat The USPS had committed to transitioning to one of the nation’s largest electric delivery fleets, supported by a $3 billion allocation under a $430 billion climate bill passed in 2023. The plan envisioned purchasing 66,000 EVs, with…

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has called on China to “unclench its fists” and refrain from unilateral actions, urging Beijing to respect international norms rather than resorting to military intimidation. His remarks came on Friday during the final day of his Pacific tour, amid expectations of fresh Chinese military exercises near Taiwan. Beijing’s Response to Lai’s US Stopovers China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province and claims it as its own territory, has strongly criticized Lai’s recent travels. His itinerary included stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, both U.S. territories. According to security sources, China is preparing for another round of…

China’s escalating trade restrictions on critical minerals are sending shockwaves through Western industries, leaving companies scrambling to secure alternative sources for materials vital to manufacturing and technology. The latest restrictions, targeting exports of antimony, gallium, germanium, and graphite, are impacting sectors ranging from automotives to military equipment, creating significant supply chain disruptions. Henkel Declares Force Majeure German industrial giant Henkel has been among the hardest hit. The company, which relies on antimony for its adhesives and lubricants branded under Bonderite and Teroson, declared force majeure in November. Henkel cited delays in raw material imports caused by China’s export licensing requirements,…

Iraqi Shi’ite political groups and armed factions are deliberating whether to intervene in Syria as Sunni Islamist rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), make significant territorial gains. The rebels, who have captured two Syrian cities and are approaching a third, pose a strategic challenge that Baghdad views with alarm. Historical Tensions and Present Concerns The memory of Syria-based Sunni fighters wreaking havoc in Iraq remains fresh. After the 2003 U.S. invasion, thousands of Sunni insurgents crossed into Iraq, fueling sectarian violence. Many of these fighters reemerged in 2013 under the Islamic State banner, conquering large swathes of Iraq before…

Egypt, one of the world’s largest wheat importers, has transferred the responsibility for importing strategic food commodities from its decades-old General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) to a military-affiliated agency. This move has raised concerns among global traders, disrupted established market practices, and injected uncertainty into international wheat markets. A New Player in Global Commodity Markets The newly empowered agency, the Mostakbal Misr Agency for Sustainable Development, was established by presidential decree in 2022 as part of the Egyptian Armed Forces. Originally tasked with land reclamation projects, its remit has expanded to include broader economic activities, including importing vital food…

Iran has significantly accelerated its uranium enrichment to 60% purity, edging closer to the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material, the United Nations nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi revealed on Friday. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed this alarming development in a confidential report to its member states, heightening tensions between Iran and Western nations. Expanding Enrichment Capacity Grossi, speaking at the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain, disclosed that Iran’s uranium production at 60% purity is set to expand by seven to eight times its current capacity. This escalation means Iran could produce more than 34 kilograms of…

Romania’s top court has annulled the ongoing presidential election due to allegations of Russian meddling, throwing the nation into political turmoil. The second-round vote, scheduled for Sunday, has been canceled, and the electoral process will be restarted, the court announced on Friday. The annulment comes as far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, a pro-Russian figure, faced off against centrist pro-EU leader Elena Lasconi. Georgescu’s unexpected surge to a first-round victory after initially polling in single digits raised questions about election integrity. In its decision, the court cited the need to “ensure the fairness and legality of the electoral process.” However, a detailed…

Islamabad, December 4: Qaiser Nawab, President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), met Deputy Chairman Senate Syed Aal Khan Nasar at his chamber in the National Assembly of Pakistan to discuss strengthening collaboration and advancing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. During the meeting, Mr. Nawab briefed the Deputy Chairman on BRISD’s efforts to bolster Pakistan-China friendship and highlighted his recent participation at COP-29 in Azerbaijan, where he represented Pakistan’s youth and climate priorities. He emphasized BRISD’s role in promoting sustainable development and aligning with the flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. Deputy Chairman Nasar commended…

Islamabad, December 4: President BRISD, Qaiser Nawab, held a meeting with MPA Muhammad Ajmal Khan Chandia, Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education Punjab, to explore collaborative initiatives for youth development in Muzaffargarh. Discussions focused on higher education, IT, and skills training programs. Mr. Nawab lauded Mr. Chandia’s efforts to uplift education and opportunities for youth, praising his advocacy and commitment to progress in his constituency. Mr. Chandia, a sportsman and advocate for youth inclusion in policymaking, appreciated Mr. Nawab’s global efforts to highlight Pakistan’s potential and his support for youth empowerment. Both agreed to finalize a plan for skills development and…