Author: Lester Holt

Strong Tech and Energy Sectors Fuel OutlookAir Liquide predicts that South Korea will overtake Japan to become Asia’s second-largest market for industrial gases by 2035, behind only China. The company’s East Asia Pacific chief, Park Il-Yong, said the country’s expanding semiconductor, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing industries are driving record demand for high-purity gases. The forecast coincides with Air Liquide’s $3.3 billion acquisition of DIG Airgas, a strategic deal aimed at reinforcing its presence in the Korean market. Expansion Projects Strengthen Supply NetworkIn recent years, Air Liquide has ramped up investment across South Korea to meet growing industrial demand. The…

Brussels Warns of “Unified and Tough” Action After Beijing Tightens ControlsThe European Union signalled on 14 October 2025 that it will pursue a firm, coordinated response to China’s decision to expand export restrictions on critical minerals used in semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defence technologies. The move follows Beijing’s new regulations, known as Announcement No. 61, which broaden export licensing requirements to include additional rare-earth elements such as holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said member states would work with G7 partners to “defend Europe’s strategic autonomy” and ensure that China’s measures “do not disrupt global…

Move Cites ‘Serious Governance Shortcomings’ and Security RisksThe Dutch government has taken control of semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia, invoking emergency powers under the Goods Availability Act. The Ministry of Economic Affairs said the decision was made to “safeguard the continuity of vital technology” and address what it described as “serious governance shortcomings” at the company.Nexperia, headquartered in Nijmegen, is majority-owned by China’s Wingtech Technology, which completed its acquisition in 2019. The intervention gives the Dutch minister authority to block or reverse corporate decisions deemed harmful to national interests while allowing production to continue. Wingtech Denounces Move, Shares Slide in ShanghaiWingtech, listed…

Data Shows Mortality Rising in Key Nations Recent findings from global health agencies reveal a concerning increase in death rates among young adults across Eastern Europe. Analyses by the World Health Organization and World Bank indicate that countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Estonia have seen more deaths among those aged 20 to 34. Many of these fatalities are linked to preventable causes, including cardiovascular problems, alcohol consumption, and road accidents, reflecting persistent weaknesses in regional healthcare and social systems. Social Pressures and Poor Access to Care Behind the Trend Researchers attribute the rise to a combination of financial hardship,…

Hong Kong is likely to see fewer typhoons in the future, but the storms that do occur will be stronger and more destructive, experts warn. Leung Wing-mo, former assistant director of the Observatory and spokesman for the Hong Kong Meteorological Society, said property owners should use wooden panels and stronger breakwaters, as tape cannot withstand powerful waves. “If we follow global scientific consensus, the total number of tropical cyclones will not rise due to climate change. In fact, it may decrease slightly,” Leung said. Currently, the Western Pacific and South China Sea see about 30 tropical cyclones each year. In…

Newsom Announces Deployment, Vows to SueCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom said Saturday that President Trump has ordered 300 California National Guard troops to Oregon after a federal court blocked the administration from deploying Oregon’s own Guard. Newsom denounced the move as unconstitutional and pledged to sue the Trump administration. “California will not stand by while our Guard is used against the will of another state,” he said. Court Blocks Oregon DeploymentThe controversy follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, who issued a temporary restraining order halting the federal government’s plan to send 200 Oregon National Guard members to Portland.…

Repeated Shutdowns Disrupt TravelMunich Airport is gradually resuming activity after a turbulent 24 hours marked by repeated drone intrusions. Air traffic was first halted late Thursday night when controllers reported drones in the vicinity of the runways, forcing an abrupt suspension of flights. A second wave of sightings on Friday evening once again shut down Germany’s second-busiest airport, creating widespread disruption and forcing planes to divert to other hubs including Nuremberg and Frankfurt. Travelers Face Long Delays and CancellationsThe closures affected thousands of passengers, many of whom were stranded overnight inside the terminal. Airport authorities distributed food, drinks, and temporary…

Denmark Tightens Airspace After Drone Incidents As European leaders convened in Copenhagen this week, Denmark faced renewed security challenges following recent drone sightings. Several airports were briefly shut down and military zones placed on alert after unidentified drones entered restricted airspace. Authorities responded with a nationwide ban on civilian drone operations, emphasizing the potential risks to both infrastructure and public safety. Neighboring Countries Provide Reinforcement To protect the summit, Denmark enlisted support from allied nations. Sweden, Germany, and France sent troops, surveillance equipment, and counter-drone systems to strengthen security around the capital. Officials described the measures as unusually extensive, reflecting…

Digital Entry System Replaces Traditional Passport StampsStarting October 12, 2025, travelers from the United States will encounter a new border process when visiting Europe. The European Union is implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace conventional passport stamps with electronic records. Under this program, visitors must provide a facial photo and four fingerprints at airports, seaports, and land crossings within the Schengen area. Who Will Be Affected and ExceptionsThe policy applies to all short-term visitors from non-EU countries, including Americans traveling without visas. Biometric data is collected upon a traveler’s first entry and retained to facilitate faster processing on…

US Officials Condemn Petro’s Conduct The United States has canceled the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro after his recent visit to New York during the United Nations General Assembly. The State Department described his actions at public events as “reckless and incendiary,” signaling strong disapproval of his behavior outside official diplomatic duties. Provocative Speech at Pro-Palestinian Rally Petro spoke to a crowd at a demonstration near UN headquarters, urging U.S. soldiers to disregard orders and calling for a global military coalition larger than America’s forces to act in Palestine. His statements quickly drew criticism from Washington, with officials warning…