China has begun issuing streamlined rare-earth export licenses, aiming to support global supply chains and industries that depend on these critical materials. Officials say the new “general licences” simplify compliance while facilitating trade with qualified buyers. Rare-earth elements and magnets are essential for many high-tech industries, including electronics, renewable energy, and defense manufacturing. By easing export regulations, China seeks to ensure steady supplies for international partners while maintaining regulatory oversight. The new licensing system allows approved companies to export rare-earth products more efficiently. Regulators emphasized that these licenses are intended to resume trade in a compliant manner, reduce administrative delays,…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in Beijing, China, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She holds a degree in Communication and Journalism from Stanford University. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to leading outlets such as The New York Times, BBC, and CNN. Recognized for her insightful analysis and engaging reporting style, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on key national and international developments.
The White House launched a media “Hall of Shame” as Trump intensified his attacks on what he calls fake news. Critics accused him of escalating hostility toward journalists as pressure mounted over his repeated verbal assaults. Officials described the portal as a fully sortable site that prevents any so-called hoax or partisan smear from disappearing. The website presents The Washington Post as “Offender of the Week” and also targets The New York Times, CNN, CBS News, and The Independent. Staff members list claims attributed to specific reporters and group them into labelled categories. Government Labels and Media Reactions The site…
Organisers gave the 2026 World Cup draw a political edge when they awarded Donald Trump the new FIFA peace prize. They selected him during the event and added an unusual tone to the ceremony. Observers expected him to win because he had openly pursued major peace honours for years. Supporters highlighted his strong interest in global recognition. Gianni Infantino maintains a close relationship with Trump and praised his work on the Gaza ceasefire. Infantino told him, “This is your prize, this is your peace prize.” He often promotes football as a global unifier, yet this award marks a shift from…
Watches of Switzerland posted rising sales and profits despite US tariffs of up to 39% on Swiss goods.Swiss luxury watch sales continued to thrive in the US amid steep import duties, according to half-year figures from the Watches of Switzerland Group.The UK-listed retailer, which leads sales of Rolex, Omega, and Cartier in Britain, recorded revenue of £845 million (€967mn) for the 26 weeks to 26 October 2025.Revenue grew 10% at constant currency and 8% at reported rates.Adjusted earnings before interest and tax climbed to £69 million (€78.9mn), rising 6% at constant currency.Statutory profit before tax surged 50% to £61 million…
The EU plans to cut all reliance on Russian gas and LNG by late 2026 and mid-2027.Lawmakers set clear end dates for Russian energy imports while allowing Hungary and Slovakia emergency access if supplies fail.Rules state that short-term contracts signed before June 2025 must end in April or June 2026, depending on the fuel type.Long-term LNG contracts can run until January 2027, and long-term pipeline deals face a ban from September 2027.Authorities may extend the pipeline deadline to November 2027 if storage levels remain low.Member states continue to pursue alternative suppliers after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine destabilised energy markets.EU figures…
Many of these genes support systems that manage blood pressure, limit inflammation and regulate sugar metabolism.These processes play essential roles in protecting long-term cardiovascular health.Scientists highlight how this everyday breakfast drink influences the body far more than most people expect.A recent investigation showed that steady orange-juice intake alters the activity of thousands of genes in immune cells.Researchers observed major shifts in genes that guide blood-pressure control, inflammation reduction and sugar handling.These functions remain central to maintaining cardiovascular stability.David C. Gaze, a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Pathology at the University of Westminster, described these internal changes in The Conversation by drawing…
Bitcoin dropped sharply on Monday and fell below €75,000 as the wider crypto market extended its steep decline after October’s record peak.Cryptocurrencies entered another month in negative territory as Bitcoin lost over 5% in early European trading and slipped under €75,000.Bitcoin reached about €110,000 in early October before it began a long and steep fall driven by large liquidations and widespread sell-offs.The price lost more than 16% in November and moved towards €74,000 at one stage.Ethereum and Solana also lost over 5% on Monday and continued the downward trend that started in October.Bitcoin showed brief signs of stability last month,…
New research reports more than 237 cyber operations struck space infrastructure from 2023 to 2025.Analysts warn hackers increasingly threaten satellites and communication networks during armed conflicts.The Center for Security Studies at ETH Zürich compiled incidents from news, forums, and social media posts. Conflict Triggers Escalating Attacks on Space Assets The study recorded 72 cyber operations in June 2025 during the Israel-Iran escalation.Researchers say this spike accounted for almost one-third of all identified incidents.The report states cyber strikes on space systems now mirror patterns seen during the Ukraine war.Pro-Palestinian groups carried out nearly every identified attack on the space sector.The analysis…
Drones hit the terminal only hours after Ukraine struck two oil tankers believed to operate in Russia’s shadow fleet used to sidestep sanctions. One of Russia’s largest oil terminals suspends operations after an overnight drone strike. Sea drones hit the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s marine terminal in Novorossiysk at about 4AM, local media reports. Naval Attacks Prompt Major Rescue Effort Naval drones hit two oil tankers in the Black Sea near Turkey only hours earlier, an assault Ukraine claims. Rescue teams launch an extensive mission after the attacks. Coast guard and rescue units save the crews due to swift intervention. The…
Measles deaths have fallen sharply since 2000, but health officials now warn of a resurgence. Measles cases rose by 47 per cent in Europe and Central Asia last year because vaccination rates dropped, according to a new WHO report. Officials say global progress in reducing infections and deaths has started to erode. In 2024, measles killed an estimated 95,000 people worldwide, mostly children under five. That number remains far lower than the 780,000 deaths recorded in 2000, yet the WHO insists that “every death from a disease that could be prevented with a highly effective and low-cost vaccine is unacceptable”.…
