China fortifies resource security with strategic mineral, energy reserve gains

China fortifies resource security with strategic mineral, energy reserve gains

China added major gains to its critical mineral reserves and discovered more mineral deposits last year as it ramped up efforts to boost self-reliance and energy security, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Increased investment had led to “significant breakthroughs” in oil and gas exploration, while “substantial progress” was made in mineral resources, resulting … Read more

Huge lithium-mining protest triggers crisis meeting in Serbia – POLITICO

Huge lithium-mining protest triggers crisis meeting in Serbia – POLITICO

Demonstrators have organized nearly 50 protests since June in an effort to persuade the Serbian government to halt the project and to ban geological exploitation. Saturday’s protest ended with the blockage of two train stations, and Serbian authorities said it breached the law. Government officials labeled the actions politically motivated and said they were an … Read more

Berlin inks lithium deal with Belgrade despite environmental concerns – POLITICO

Berlin inks lithium deal with Belgrade despite environmental concerns – POLITICO

“The Draft Law on Environmental Impact Assessment, though submitted to the Serbian parliament in October 2023, remains unadopted and contains critical gaps, such as not preventing the issuance of construction permits before the completion of the EIA,” Berishaj explained. Opposition to the project, including roadblocks across the country and thousands of protesters, was so strong … Read more

BIS Rolls Out New Standards To Elevate Safety And Quality of Electric Vehicles

BIS Rolls Out New Standards To Elevate Safety And Quality of Electric Vehicles

Published By: Samreen Pall Last Updated: June 24, 2024, 13:15 IST A key focus of these standards is on fortifying the EV powertrain to meet rigorous safety protocols. (Representational Image) (Photo: Linkedin) From construction integrity to operational functionality, these standards comprehensively cover aspects crucial for safeguarding drivers and passengers alike. The Bureau of Indian Standards … Read more

Quebec judge dismisses $2.5M Dollarama class action settlement

Quebec judge dismisses .5M Dollarama class action settlement

A Quebec judge has dismissed a $2.5-million class action settlement on behalf of Dollarama customers who purchased products subject to an eco fee. The proposed settlement was reached on Feb. 21 and was subject to court approval. The judge dismissed the settlement on April 17, according to a website dedicated to the class action. Law firm LPC Avocats informed class members … Read more

Deforestation law risks pushing Indonesia toward China – POLITICO

Deforestation law risks pushing Indonesia toward China – POLITICO

According to Chris Humphrey, executive director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council, the EUDR has caused particular anxiety in Indonesia, and while it’s good that the country was discussing issues in a joint task force with the EU, its producers may well take their business elsewhere. “Whether the EU likes it or not, they may sell … Read more

Scholz wants Xi to stop Russia’s war. Xi wants Europe to stop trade war. – POLITICO

Scholz wants Xi to stop Russia’s war. Xi wants Europe to stop trade war. – POLITICO

The Chinese leader was responding to an investigation Brussels launched last year into Beijing’s electric vehicle subsidies. More recently the European Commission has announced a probe into state support for Chinese wind turbines being pitched for European generation projects, which followed similar checks on rail and solar projects. He told Scholz, who was in China … Read more

Germany to send Patriot air-defense system to Ukraine but holds out on Taurus missiles – POLITICO

Germany to send Patriot air-defense system to Ukraine but holds out on Taurus missiles – POLITICO

Kyiv has been pleading with its Western allies for additional military supplies, including more Patriot missile batteries. Western support has weakened in recent months, with a major American aid package held up by partisan bickering in the U.S. Congress.  “This is a real manifestation of support for Ukraine at a critical time for us,” Zelenskyy … Read more

‘Significant consequences’ if Chinese firms help Russia’s war in Ukraine, US’s Yellen warns – POLITICO

‘Significant consequences’ if Chinese firms help Russia’s war in Ukraine, US’s Yellen warns – POLITICO

“We’ve been clear with China that we see Russia as gaining support from goods that China, Chinese firms are supplying to Russia,” Yellen told journalists in Guangzhou. “Neither of us want this to be an issue with our bilateral relationship. So we’re working together,” she added. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, Beijing’s ties with … Read more

Dollarama reaches $2.5M settlement in class-action suit over pricing

Dollarama reaches .5M settlement in class-action suit over pricing

Dollarama customers who purchased products subject to an eco fee — such as batteries, electronics, light bulbs or toys with batteries — may be eligible to claim a gift card. The Montreal law firm of LPC Avocats Inc., announced Tuesday that the proposed national settlement has been reached in a class-action lawsuit about prices advertised and charged by Dollarama … Read more