Satellite image shows damage to Pak's Nur Khan air base in Indian strike
Satellite imagery released by a Chinese satellite firm (MIZAZVISION) showed the damage at Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase following strikes by the Indian armed forces.Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan, situated in Chaklala, Rawalpindi is around 10km from Islamabad, Pakistan capital.
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Time of India
11 minutes ago
- Time of India
China silent about lifting export curbs on rare earth metals amid growing concerns in India, world
China, which holds the global monopoly over the precious rare earth metals needed for manufacturing of phones, automobiles and missiles, continues to play hardball over lifting export restrictions of the precious metals warding off pressures from a host of countries, including, the US, EU and India. "China's export control measures are consistent with universal practices," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said responding to a question during a media briefing here on Thursday that Japanese automaker Suzuki has suspended production of its main small cars in Japan because of delays due to rare earth restrictions. "Such measures are non-discriminatory and not targeted at any particular country," he said, adding that the question should be directed to competent authorities. This is the second-time this week that Lin deflected a question on the growing global concerns over the restrictions over exports of Chinese rare earth metals. On Tuesday, he evaded a question about reports that executives and representatives of the car industry in Europe, the US and India expressed concern that China's rare earth export controls are creating the risk of shortages that could lead to the stoppages in production soon, saying that the question should be addressed to competent authorities. Reports from Tokyo on Thursday said Suzuki Motor halted production of its Swift model cars in Japan from May 26 due to China's rare earth restrictions. Reports in recent weeks from India too spoke of growing concerns among the automobile manufactures about scarcity about rare earth magnets, which are critical components in electric vehicles (EVs) and even some parts of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Also, China's export restrictions of the rare earths specially germanium, a critical mineral that is used in manufacturing of semiconductors, fibre optic cables and solar panels, has sparked concerns in India among the respective industries. Officials of India as well as many other countries say they are engaged with the concerned ministries and departments. Rare earths are a group of metals consisting of 17 elements. Though present in several counties, their extraction is costly and messy causing massive amounts of pollution. According to the International Energy Agency, currently China accounts for 61 per cent of global mined rare earth production, but controls 92 per cent of the global output. China's exports restrictions of rare earths which were imposed in June last year through a decree by Premier Li Qiang reportedly became stricter since US President Donald Trump imposed 146 per cent tariffs on Chinese exports. This week, the European Union (EU) urged China to stop restricting the export of rare earth minerals and magnets, with the bloc's trade chief saying its industries are in an "alarming situation", the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Thursday. The request was made during a meeting between the sides' top commerce officials in Paris on Tuesday. It comes as sectors across Europe raise the alarm about a shortage of rare earths, which are used to manufacture hi-tech goods ranging from electric cars and smartphones to military tanks and aircraft. "I informed my Chinese counterpart about the alarming situation in the European car industry, but I would say industry as such because clearly rare earths and permanent magnets are absolutely essential for industrial production," EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said on Wednesday, briefing reporters a day after his meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
Business Standard
13 minutes ago
- Business Standard
How China gained control over the global rare earth minerals supply chain
The alarm has been intensifying in the past few weeks as global automakers, including major German manufacturers, raised concerns over China's export restrictions on rare earth alloys, magnets, and mixtures, warning that the curbs could trigger production delays and operational shutdowns. The latest backlash follows similar complaints from US firms and an Indian electric vehicle producer last week, highlighting the mounting global fallout from Beijing's April decision to suspend outbound shipments of several critical minerals. China has intensified its strategic dominance over the global supply of rare earth elements by adding critical minerals to its export control list, further straining already fragile global supply chains amid rising geopolitical tensions. The move, seen as a direct response to heightened tariffs imposed by the United States, underscores China's decades-long state-led push to monopolise both the mining and, more critically, the processing of rare earth materials—metals that are essential to a range of advanced technologies from electric vehicles to fighter jets. The 1990s strategy that gave China a monopoly Despite being relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, rare earths are rarely found in concentrated deposits and require complex, often environmentally hazardous, refining processes. China's edge lies not only in its 30–36 per cent share of global reserves but in its near-total control of the processing chain, estimated at over 85 per cent of global capacity. Beginning in the 1990s, Beijing classified rare earths as strategic resources, shielding the sector from foreign control and channelling significant state support into extraction and refining. Initiatives like 'Made in China 2025' ensured rare earths remained embedded in the country's high-tech ambitions. Western retreat allowed China to dominate supply chains As the US and other Western nations shut down domestic operations over cost and environmental concerns, China ramped up investment. It perfected the solvent extraction method, a process initially developed in the US but later abandoned due to regulatory and environmental challenges. By the early 2000s, China produced up to 97 per cent of the world's rare earths and began restricting exports, simultaneously driving up global prices and encouraging foreign manufacturers to relocate operations to China to secure uninterrupted supply. Export curbs on 7 key elements spark global concern In April, China extended export restrictions on terbium, yttrium, dysprosium, gadolinium, lutetium, samarium, and scandium—seven of the 17 recognised rare earth elements. Each plays a unique role in modern technologies and defence systems. Why terbium, yttrium and dysprosium matter globally Terbium: Vital for smartphone displays and aircraft magnets. China exports 85 per cent to Japan, just 5 per cent to the US. Yttrium: Used in medical lasers and superconductors. US relies 93 per cent on China. Dysprosium: Key for EV magnets and wind turbines. Majority goes to Japan and South Korea. Gadolinium: Common in MRI scans and reactor cores. Lutetium: Used in oil refining, mainly imported by the US. Samarium: Strategic for military-grade magnets and nuclear use. Scandium: Critical for aerospace; no US production in 50+ years. Japan, US, EU scramble to reduce China dependency China's move is expected to hit countries that are already struggling to build independent rare earth supply chains. According to Chinese customs data, Japan remains the largest buyer of these restricted materials, followed by South Korea and the US. Global supply chain diversification faces uphill battle In response, nations are accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese supply. Australia's Lynas Rare Earths is expanding its Malaysian plant. The EU is funding scandium production, and the US has revived mining at the Mountain Pass facility in California—though the ore is still sent abroad for processing. Yet such initiatives face formidable challenges. China's low production costs, lenient environmental standards, and strong vertical integration give it a lasting competitive edge.
Economic Times
13 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Viral video: Parle-G packet sells for Rs 2,300 in Gaza, Palestinian father shares post about daughter's favourite treat
A viral social media post featuring a Palestinian girl in Gaza holding a Parle-G biscuit has spotlighted the severe food shortages and inflated prices amid the ongoing conflict. The biscuit, ordinarily inexpensive, was purchased at a drastically increased price due to wartime scarcity. This image has resonated globally, symbolizing both the hardship and resilience of civilians in the crisis. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A biscuit amid the blockade Netizens react with emotion and appeals Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Symbol of hardship and hope A social media post by a Palestinian father showing his daughter receiving a packet of Parle-G has gone viral, drawing attention to the severe food shortage in Gaza and the soaring prices of basic goods amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The biscuit, which costs Rs 100 in regular international markets, was reportedly bought for over Rs 2,300 due to wartime Jawad, a resident of Gaza, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing his daughter Rafif holding a Parle-G biscuit packet. In his post, he wrote, 'Even though the price jumped from €1.5 to over €24, I just couldn't deny Rafif her favorite treat.' The post quickly gained traction across social media, especially among Indian users, many of whom were surprised to see the Indian biscuit brand in a conflict-hit poured in, with many Indian users tagging government officials and the Parle company. One user wrote to India's Minister of External Affairs, '@DrSJaishankar that baby is eating India's favourite biscuit. Look I know we are neutral about the war. But can we please send more Parle G to Palestine? These are Glucose Biscuits and will help relieve the civilian population.'Another user tagged the biscuit-maker with a simple plea: '@ParleFamily can you help?' A third user said, 'She's got great taste. Parle-G is a part of my childhood. And my adulthood. And everything in between. I wish I could send you all the Parle-G in the world for Rafif.'The post comes at a time when Gaza is facing acute shortages of food and essential supplies due to the continuing Israeli military blockade. Basic commodities are being sold at steep prices. For many, the image of a child holding a Parle-G biscuit became a symbol of resilience and innocence caught in a humanitarian crisis.'Sad to see people profiteering in such times,' said another user reacting to the inflated price of the biscuit in incident highlights both the emotional power of small gestures in wartime and the role social media plays in connecting global communities during humanitarian emergencies.
