Author: Lester Holt

Georgian Authorities Seize Radioactive Material in Sting Operation Three Chinese citizens have been arrested in Georgia after allegedly attempting to purchase uranium through an underground deal. The State Security Service said the arrests were made in Tbilisi during a coordinated sting operation in which the suspects sought to acquire about two kilograms of radioactive material for roughly $400,000. The uranium was confiscated and transferred to a secure facility for further inspection by specialists. Officials Say Suspects Planned to Move Uranium to China Investigators allege that the group intended to transport the uranium from Georgia to China using a route that…

European Industries Warn of Growing Market Disruption A surge in Chinese imports is unsettling manufacturers across Europe, with companies warning that an oversupply of cheap goods is distorting competition. The influx, partly triggered by U.S. trade barriers that redirected exports toward Europe, has left domestic producers in sectors such as renewable energy, metals, and consumer electronics struggling to stay afloat. Industry representatives argue that the imbalance threatens the future of European production and jobs. Rising Pressure on EU Leaders to Respond Political and economic pressure is mounting on Brussels to take action. Several European governments have urged the European Commission…

New Measures Tighten Pressure on Russia’s Energy and Finance Sectors The European Union has adopted its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, escalating economic pressure over the ongoing war in Ukraine. The latest measures expand restrictions on Russian financial institutions, shipping operations, and technology exports. EU officials say the sanctions also target Moscow’s “shadow fleet” of tankers used to evade previous oil embargoes, as well as several cryptocurrency exchanges linked to sanctioned entities. Ban on Russian LNG Marks Major Energy Shift A key element of the new package is a phased ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas. The…

France Sets the Standard with Garment Levy France has become the first European nation to introduce a targeted tax on fast fashion in an effort to curb the environmental toll of mass clothing production. The policy adds a €5 charge to each item sold, increasing to €10 by 2030, with the amount varying based on a company’s environmental track record. The levy will be capped at 50% of the product’s pre-tax price. Lawmakers also approved an eco-label system requiring all garments to display their environmental impact, designed to help consumers favor more sustainable purchases. Brussels Aims to End Loopholes for…

Boeing 747 skids off tarmac during nighttime landingTwo ground workers were killed early Monday when a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft careened off the runway and plunged into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport. The freighter, flown by ACT Airlines for Emirates SkyCargo, had just arrived from Dubai when it lost control while touching down on the north runway around 3:50 a.m. local time. The plane tore through a perimeter fence, collided with a patrol vehicle, and came to rest nose-first in the water. All four crew members were rescued with minor injuries and taken to a local hospital. Investigators…

Steady Growth Marks a Turning PointAfter years of production challenges and fluctuating demand, Europe’s car sector is showing renewed resilience. Figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) indicate that vehicle registrations across the European Union have remained stable in 2025, signaling the end of a lengthy downturn. The improvement is tied to smoother supply networks, declining energy costs, and consistent consumer demand. Electric vehicles continue to gain prominence, accounting for roughly 20% of new sales, supported by government subsidies and rapid infrastructure upgrades across the continent. Chinese Electric Carmakers Extend Their ReachWhile European manufacturers enjoy a steadier outlook, Chinese…

Old Facilities Upgraded for a Smarter Energy FutureAcross the continent, energy providers are transforming long-serving power stations through large-scale digital upgrades. In Italy, France, and Germany, utilities are installing real-time monitoring tools, intelligent control systems, and data analytics platforms that improve performance and reduce operational risks. These retrofits enable technicians to predict faults before they cause shutdowns and adjust processes for optimal output. Engineering firms such as GE Vernova and Siemens Energy are leading many of these initiatives, helping extend the lifespan of legacy infrastructure while lowering emissions and improving efficiency. Digital Solutions Enhance Grid Stability and FlexibilityAs Europe’s energy…

China is experiencing a notable increase in foreign visitors thanks to its expanded visa-free policy. The initiative has generated strong growth in international arrivals, continuing into the third quarter of 2025. The policy allows travelers from eligible countries to enter China without a visa for short-term visits. Officials report that this has lowered travel barriers and made the country more accessible for tourists, business travelers, and cultural exchanges. Tourism experts note that the surge in visitors is benefiting multiple sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation. Hotels and resorts have seen higher occupancy rates, while airports and public transport services report…

Luxembourg to Host First Phase of TestingChinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai has entered a memorandum of understanding with Stellantis to jointly develop Level 4 autonomous electric vans for the European market. Initial testing will begin in Luxembourg, with broader deployment targeted from 2026. The collaboration merges Pony.ai’s advanced self-driving systems with Stellantis’ expertise in electric vehicle manufacturing and commercial fleet operations. Focus on Electric Light Commercial VehiclesThe project will use Stellantis’ medium-sized electric vans, including models from Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel, equipped with Pony.ai’s autonomous software, sensors, and perception technology. The vehicles are intended for both passenger and logistics services…

Strategic MoU Signed at Sibos to Enhance Cross-Border Trade FinanceSingapore’s DBS Group and Riyadh-based Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen trade finance and payment connectivity between Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The agreement was inked on 16 October 2025 at the Sibos conference in Frankfurt, marking a new phase of collaboration between one of Asia’s largest financial groups and a leading Saudi Arabian bank. The partnership aims to facilitate smoother trade settlements, expand financing options, and explore regional currency-clearing arrangements. BSF is also expected to leverage DBS’s GlobeSend platform, which…