Govt may try as much to cover up 'India's biggest scam', truth is coming out: Congress on Adani issue
The double-engine Modani saga continues.
SEBI has reportedly threatened two Mauritius-based offshore funds controlled by Elara Capital — Elara India Opportunities Fund and Vespera Fund — with penalties and licence cancellations for failing to provide shareholding details. These…
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First Post
32 minutes ago
- First Post
The Deng doctrine: How China weaponises rare earths to gain leverage in trade war with the US
China has signalled for more than 15 years that it was looking to weaponise areas of the global supply chain, a strategy modelled on longstanding American export controls Beijing views as aimed at stalling its rise. read more China has long indicated its intention to weaponise parts of the global supply chain—a strategy now visibly playing out through tighter control of rare earth exports. Modelled on longstanding US export restrictions that Beijing believes are designed to limit its technological rise, China is now turning similar tools to its own advantage. The recent rush by companies to secure export licences for rare earth materials, culminating in a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, highlights how Beijing has refined a powerful lever in the ongoing trade war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Industry experts say China may approve more shipments in the near term but it has no plans to dismantle the new system underpinning those approvals. Instead, China's new export licensing regime, closely mirroring the US model grants the government deeper visibility into global supply chokepoints including critical sectors such as electric vehicle motors and precision systems used in missiles. This level of control offers Beijing a potent means to retaliate in the trade dispute while asserting dominance in strategically vital markets. China sharpens rare earth export controls in trade war playbook As relations between the two countries sour and supply chains fracture, both Washington and Beijing appear determined to shift from broad tariffs to more focused, technical barriers—ones that could have lasting implications for industries worldwide. 'China originally took inspiration for these export control methods from the comprehensive U.S. sanctions regime,' Zhu Junwei, a scholar at the Grandview Institution, a Beijing-based think tank focused on international relations told Reuters. 'China has been trying to build its own export control systems since then, to be used as a last resort.' After a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Trump said the two leaders were 'straightening out some of the points,' particularly regarding rare earth magnets—key components in electric vehicle (EV) motors and high-tech weaponry. But Trump did not confirm whether Beijing had agreed to speed up export licensing, a sticking point since Washington imposed restrictions on chip design software and jet engines over what it calls China's deliberate slow-walking of approvals. China, which holds a near-monopoly on rare earth magnets, added some of the most advanced types to its export control list in April. The move forces all exporters to seek government licences before shipping these materials, turning a once-obscure division of the commerce ministry—staffed by around 60 people—into a powerful gatekeeper of global manufacturing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The export curbs, part of a broader retaliation package against US tariffs, have had ripple effects well beyond the US. Several European auto parts manufacturers were forced to shut down production lines this week after exhausting their supply of rare earth magnets, underscoring the global reach of Beijing's measures. Though China's commerce ministry has not publicly commented on the issue, analysts say the blanket controls offer Beijing both leverage in its trade war with Washington and a strategic tool to reshape global supply chains in its favour. 'Beijing has a degree of plausible deniability – no one can prove China is doing this on purpose,' Noah Barkin, senior adviser at Rhodium Group, a China-focused U.S. thinktank told Reuters. 'But the rate of approvals is a pretty clear signal that China is sending a message, exerting pressure to prevent trade negotiations with the U.S. leading to additional technology control.' China mines about 70% of the world's rare earths but maintains a near-monopoly on refining and processing, giving it a powerful position in global manufacturing. Even if export approvals accelerate, as U.S. President Donald Trump indicated after a call with President Xi Jinping, Beijing's new licensing system offers it unprecedented visibility into how companies use these critical materials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD European and U.S. executives warn that by forcing exporters to apply for licences, China's government can now closely monitor supplier chokepoints in sectors ranging from electric vehicles to advanced weaponry, oversight that other governments lack due to the complexity of global supply chains. Hundreds of Japanese companies are expected to need Chinese export approvals for rare earth magnets in the coming weeks, a person lobbying on their behalf told Reuters. Without timely licences, they risk production disruptions, underscoring how Beijing's new trade tools could reshape access to materials essential to modern industry. 'It's sharpening China's scalpel,' said a US-based executive at a company seeking to piece together an alternative supply chain who sought anonymity. 'It's not a way to oversee the export of magnets, but a way to gain influence and advantage over America.' China's export controls deepen as fears grow over weaponisation of supply chain power Fears that China could weaponise its dominance in critical supply chains first emerged in 2010, when it briefly halted rare earth exports to Japan during a territorial dispute. But those concerns have intensified in recent years as Beijing sharpens its trade tools and broadens export restrictions across strategic sectors. As far back as 1992, former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping noted, 'The Middle East has oil, China has rare earths.' That sentiment has shaped policy: in 2020, China passed a sweeping Export Control Law allowing it to restrict exports of any items deemed vital to national security, including materials, technology and data. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, China has built up its own sanctions arsenal in response to U.S. restrictions, investing heavily in alternative supply chains while tightening its grip on key exports. In 2022, the United States imposed broad curbs on chip and semiconductor tool exports to China, aiming to slow the country's military and AI advancements. But analysts say Beijing has continued to make headway despite those barriers. In retaliation, China has steadily expanded its export controls. Last year it imposed licensing requirements for gallium, germanium, and certain graphite products—vital inputs for defence, electronics, and green technologies. Shipments of these minerals to the U.S. were banned outright in December. Then in February, China added five more metals to its control list. Now, following a phone call between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, attention has turned to whether China will ease its latest rare earth export curbs. But analysts warn of a lack of transparency. 'It's virtually impossible to know what percentage of requests for non-military end users get approved because the data is not public and companies don't want to publicly confirm either way,' said Cory Combs, an analyst at China-focused consultancy Trivium. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The opaqueness of Beijing's process and its expanding powers over chokepoint materials are reinforcing Western concerns that supply chains are becoming geopolitical battlegrounds. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Green fuel: UAE retail giant LuLu now runs delivery fleet with biodiesel from used cooking oil
LuLu's delivery trucks and vans run on biodiesel refined from used cooking oil collected across its UAE stores/ Image courtesy: Gulf News LuLu Group, one of the UAE's largest retail chains, has begun powering its delivery fleet with biodiesel made from used cooking oil collected across its stores. This move is part of the company's broader sustainability strategy and supports the UAE's national vision of net-zero emissions by 2050. The initiative is the result of a strategic partnership with UAE-based clean energy company Neutral Fuels, which processes the used cooking oil into biodiesel. This low-emission fuel is now powering an increasing share of LuLu's delivery trucks, directly reducing greenhouse gas emissions on UAE roads. In a statement, LuLu Group said, ' This proves that practical, everyday actions can lead to measurable environmental benefits without compromising efficiency or service.' How the biodiesel is made: From waste to fuel The process begins with collecting used cooking oil from LuLu's in-store kitchens, restaurants, food courts, and catering partners. The oil is filtered to remove food residues and then sent to processing plants where it undergoes transesterification, a chemical reaction involving methanol and a catalyst. This reaction produces two byproducts: biodiesel, and glycerin. Unlike conventional diesel, biodiesel made through this method is biodegradable and emits fewer harmful pollutants. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's What a 6-Hours Gutter Upgrade Should Cost You LeafFilter Partner Undo According to LuLu, their fleet mostly uses blends of biodiesel to balance fuel performance and emissions reduction. The advantages are clear: Lower Carbon Emissions : Because the oil originates from plants, its carbon output is largely offset by the carbon those plants absorbed, contributing to a near carbon-neutral cycle. Less Air Pollution: It significantly reduces sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter—key urban pollutants. Waste Management: It repurposes a major waste stream that would otherwise contaminate water or soil. Economic & environmental gains with nationwide impact Beyond the environmental benefits, the program has economic implications. By building a biodiesel supply chain, collection, cleaning, processing, and distribution, LuLu helps generate local green jobs. It also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to the UAE's energy security. LuLu's fleet plays a crucial logistics role across the UAE, transporting goods daily in dense urban areas. Switching to biodiesel has directly cut emissions in these high-traffic zones, making a noticeable difference in air quality and environmental impact. However, the path hasn't been without hurdles: Supply Volume Constraints: Collecting enough used oil consistently is a logistical challenge. Infrastructure: Expanding processing capabilities requires investment. Vehicle Compatibility: Not all engines are optimized for high biodiesel blends. LuLu is addressing these issues by investing in research, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring quality standards are rigorously met before the fuel is used. LuLu's broader green vision Biodiesel is just one pillar of LuLu's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts. Other key initiatives include: Plastic Waste Reduction: Over 90% reduction in plastic bag usage across stores, replaced by reusable alternatives. Reverse Vending Machines: Installed in stores to encourage customers to recycle plastic bottles and cans, rewarding participation. Green Logistics: Use of energy-efficient, green chiller vehicles for transporting fresh food, maintaining both food safety and emission reduction. Eco Packaging: Rollout of biodegradable and reusable packaging. Energy Efficiency: Adoption of energy effecient lighting and refrigeration across stores. Community Outreach: Programs that promote environmental education and responsible consumption among customers and employees. These programs reflect LuLu's long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and community awareness. A model for UAE's renewable future The UAE government has placed sustainability at the core of its Vision 2030 and 2050 Net Zero Strategy. Biodiesel from used cooking oil aligns with national priorities by enabling a circular economy and reducing emissions from key sectors like transport and retail. As the infrastructure for biodiesel grows and public awareness improves, other companies may follow LuLu's lead. The LuLu-Neutral Fuels model is not just a corporate initiative, it's a proof of concept for how sustainability and business efficiency can work hand in hand.
Mint
40 minutes ago
- Mint
Mohali court remands YouTuber Jasbir Singh to 2 days of police custody. What are the charges against him?
Three days after being arrested on espionage charges, a Mohali court on Saturday remanded YouTuber Jasbir Singh to two days of police custody, reported ANI. According to the report, Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal (41) is a resident of Village Mahlan in Rupnagar. He has been operating a YouTube channel "JaanMahal Video" with over 11 lakh subscribers and posting travel and cooking vlogs. Commenting on Jasbir's remand, his lawyer said, as quoted by ANI, "The police had asked for 7 days remand... We asked the police through the court what they did in 3 days. Today, he has been sent to a 2-day police remand." The police further alleged that Jasbir maintained close contact with Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was earlier arrested for espionage. Also, Jasbir even maintained close relations with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani national and expelled Pakistan High Commission official, as alleged by the police. The Punjab Police's State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar, on Wednesday arrested Jasbir Singh for spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said in an official statement. DGP Gaurav Yadav had said that Jasbir was found associated with Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, which is a part of a terror-backed espionage network. The DGP further added that Jasbir maintained close contact with Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish. Among other things, DGP Yadav said Jasbir attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi on Danish's invitation, where he met Pakistani Army officials and vloggers. The senior police official added the accused travelled to Pakistan on three occasions, including in 2020, 2021 and 2024, and came into direct contact with ISI officers. He was recruited then to carry out espionage activities within India. Concluding his statement, DGP Yadav said Jasbir attempted to erase all traces of his communications with these PIOs to avoid detection, following Jyoti Malhotra's arrest. Meanwhile, investigations are underway to dismantle the broader espionage-terror network. A report by NDTV stated that the ones who are currently facing espionage charges include 25-year-old Patiala's Khalsa College student Davendra Singh Dhillon, 24-year-old security guard in Haryana Nauman Ilahi, 28-year-old health worker from Gujarat Sahdev Singh Gohil, Arman and Tarif from Haryana, and Rajasthan government employee from Jaisalmer Shakur Khan. All the above mentioned people have been arrested on espionage charges and their links with Pakistan's ISI.
