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Copper falls on concerns over weak Chinese data
Copper prices fell on Friday due to gloomy data on China's economy, the world's largest metal consumer. However, losses were mitigated by a falling dollar and the hope that these data would prompt Beijing to take more stimulative measures. The price of three-month copper at the London Metal Exchange dropped 0.4%, to $9,730 per metric ton, in open-outcry official trading. This is down from Tuesday's two-week high. The data released on Friday revealed that China's factory production growth fell to a new eight-month low during July, while retail sales dropped sharply. The Shanghai Futures Exchange copper contract eased by 0.1%, to 79.060 yuan (11,008.23 dollars) per ton. Neil Welsh, Britannia Global Markets' head of metals, said that these indicators indicate a subdued environment for base metals. This is likely to be a factor in the metal prices and consumption, as concerns about a slowing Chinese economic growth are prevalent. The prices were supported by the hope that weak data will put pressure on Chinese policymakers, who can then roll out additional stimulus measures to stimulate domestic demand. A weaker dollar also helped the market as investors were cautious in their outlook for interest rates ahead of the import price data. The dollar's decline makes goods priced in U.S. dollars less expensive for buyers who use other currencies. U.S. Comex Copper Futures dropped 0.1% to $4.48 lb at 1225 GMT. This brings the Comex Premium over LME Copper to $127 per ton, or 1.3%. Other metals include LME aluminium, which fell 0.7% to $2.601,50 per ton in official activity, while zinc and lead both dropped 0.3% each to $1.984 and $2.813 respectively. Nickel was up by 0.3%, at $15.075; and tin rose 0.3%, to $33,550. Click here to see the latest news in metals.
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After a scorching July, the Swedish capital's residents are being told to conserve water.
Authorities have warned Swedes to conserve water in an area surrounding the capital Stockholm after a warm summer that pushed temperatures to new records across Scandinavia. Stockholm's city officials said that high temperatures in Lake Malaren, a source of water for 2 million people, had decreased the amount of water available from the tap. Residents in the capital and its surrounding areas were told to reduce their shower time, stop filling swimming pools, and stop watering gardens or cleaning cars. This is unusual advice for a country that is known for its lakes. Stockholm Water and Waste stated in a press release that "every drop counts". Europe was wracked by a heatwave that lasted for most of July. In some areas, temperatures reached over 40 degrees Celsius. This caused wildfires to break out and killed hundreds. Scientists warn that such events will become more frequent and intense as global warming continues. Erik Kjellstrom is a professor of climatology at Sweden's Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. The winters are shorter and milder, and the summers are longer and warmer. In parts of Sweden, July was the hottest month in 100 years. The far north was worst affected. According to the Institute, Jokkmokk (just north of the Arctic Circle) has recorded 15 consecutive days of temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius. Oslo, the capital of Norway, has also had trouble filling its reservoirs this year due to less than usual precipitation. A spokesperson for the city’s water authority stated that residents have been asked to limit their voluntary water consumption since late July. For 26 consecutive days, temperatures in Ylitornio in Finland, near Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, were above 25 degrees. According to a recent study by the climate research group World Weather Attribution, "similar events are at least 10 times more likely now than in a preindustrial environment without human-caused heating." According to the EU Copernicus Climate Change Service the average global temperature surface reached 16,68 degrees Celsius in the month of July, which was 0.45 degrees higher than the average 1991-2020 for that month.
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Ifax reports that Russia will sell its seized stake in gold-producer UGC to a unit of Gazprombank
Interfax reported that the Russian finance ministry said on Friday that the state would sell its majority stake in gold producer Uzhuralzoloto to a unit owned by state-owned lender Gazprombank. Since Russia's troops entered Ukraine in February 20, 2022, foreign companies have faced the threat of state seizing their assets. However, Moscow has been increasingly focused on domestic assets, citing domestic security and strategic stability. The Russian general prosecutor’s office won a court case last month to transfer ownership to the state of shares owned by Strukov at UGC, Russia’s fourth largest gold producer. Prosecutors alleged that Strukov acquired property "through corrupt means". Strukov was contacted by UGC. The company did not respond immediately to the request for a comment. Interfax reported that deputy finance minister Alexei Moiseev said the state would sell a majority stake valued at 85 billion Russian roubles (1,06 billion dollars) to UGC's largest minority shareholder. Interfax reported Moiseev saying, "We want to do it this year." This is one of our assets that we want to sell as quickly as possible. Gazprombank didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Strukov held a 67.8% share in UGC according to data from the company as of 2024. AAA Capital, a company linked to Gazprombank bought a 22 percent stake in the end of last year. The remaining 10 percent was floated at the Moscow Exchange between 2023 and 2024. Strukov is a member of the legislative assembly in Chelyabinsk Region since 2000. He is the deputy speaker of Chelyabinsk Region's Parliament and a member the ruling United Russia Party. Dmitry Malbin (a lawyer who defended UGC at court) has stated that UGC is compliant with the law, and never benefited from Strukov’s position in Chelyabinsk Assembly.
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Social media is the new source of information for youth voting in Bolivia's election
Young Bolivians can influence the outcome of general elections Doria Medina, presidential candidate, has a strong presence on social media Social media is a source of news for more young Bolivians By Nathalie Iriarte The young people of the country seem to be enjoying the lively and entertaining posts made by the business magnate. "I don’t know why but I like Him." "I see other politicians that look forced and they don’t use social media the way he uses," said Veronica Mamani (19), a first time voter. Bolivia has a young electorate, with nearly half the population under 35 years old - 3.3 million voters. This could determine the outcome of August's general elections. Amples Regiani is a social media expert who said that most youths and voters were undecided. Many Bolivians have become disillusioned by "dirty politics." Experts said that engaging voters depends in part on reaching young people via social media, particularly TikTok. Doria Medina stated in an interview that he had taken this view to heart. "For me, millions of followers have allowed me to not only communicate, but to also listen to young people's concerns and establish a relationship with them," Doria Medina said at his luxury Hotel Los Tajibos in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, the second largest city. Inflation at its highest level in four decades, lack of employment opportunities and fuel shortages are the top concerns for young voters. He said that Doria Medina began her foray into the social media five years ago not out of political strategy, but more as a curiosity. "I opened up my Twitter and Instagram account before my children even used Facebook. "During the pandemic TikTok was launched, and I heard from young people that it would be the fastest growing social network," said he. Doria Medina is the presidential candidate of National Unity Party. His businesses include fast-food franchises, hotels and a cement company. He describes himself as centrist. A poll conducted by Ipsos-Ciesmori on August 10, showed Doria Medina in the lead with 21,2%. She was followed by conservative candidate Jorge "Tuto", a former Bolivian President (2001-2002), and candidate for Libre Alliance, with 20%. If either candidate wins, it would be a turning point to the right in Bolivia and bring an end to two decades of leftist government. Andronico Rod is the last in the race, and his poor showing indicates a decline in support for candidates associated with the ruling Movement to Socialism party (MAS), according to a Ipsos/Ciesmori survey conducted in July. Bolivia's polarized politics has been characterized by a power battle that has caused the MAS to fracture. According to polls, it won only 12% of Sunday's vote. A runoff will be held on the 19th of October if no candidate wins. A candidate can avoid a runoff if they receive more than 40% of votes and are ahead by at least 10%. The pollsters are predicting a second voting round, which will be the first time in Bolivian history. Online Business Tips Doria Medina’s humorous, chatty online content offers business advice as well as a diet and exercise plan along with campaign pledges. Many young voters ask him about how they can become millionaires. "I have been following him ever since he began giving advice to entrepreneurs via TikTok, because I appreciate that he speaks to us clearly so we can know what to do to our money," said Marina Rivero a 21-year old business administration student and owner of a cupcake company. She added, "What I love... is that it's his money he uses for his campaign. He doesn't have to pay any political favors." The number of followers on his TikTok page is 575,800. This is nearly three times the number of "Tuto", Quiroga's TikTok, which he launched just before the start date of this campaign in December. The videos of "Tuto Quiroga" discuss his plans for the government, with dancing and jokes interspersed. Mamani, and other young voters, say that his online presence pales compared to Doria Medina's. Her language and expressions are more appealing to young Bolivians. His jokes and dance moves are so popular that they have gone viral across the country of 12,4 million people. Bolivia's electorate under 35 has never known a political era apart from that shaped Evo Morales as Bolivia's first Indigenous Leader, and the current President Luis Arce who is Morales' MAS Successor, but does not seek re-election. Morales served three terms as president between 2006 and 2019. He founded the ruling MAS Party. After a failed attempt at changing the constitution, he is not allowed to run for another term. Saul Montano is a comedian and content creator from Bolivia. He said that Doria Medina had learned how to establish a social media presence long before the campaign. Montano stated that it's more than just repeating political discourses, but about creating a coherent persona and format on social media, and engaging the collective imagination. Montano stated that Doria Medina is prone to laughing off criticism. This "humanizes" him and takes him away from his pedestal as a serious politician and businessman. Social media is the new source of information for young people around the world. Traditional news media have lost their financial support and are being eclipsed by online personalities. According to the Institute for the Study of Journalism, in the United States more than half of those under 35 years old rely on video and social media networks as their primary source of news. TikTok, the most popular platform in Bolivia, is used by almost half of young Bolivian voters to get their information. Vania Sandoval, journalism professor, says that this is a worrying trend. Candidates are being interviewed online without journalistic rigor on superficial topics instead of a deeper look at the issues. Sandoval, an instructor at UPSA in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, said, "These elections will undoubtedly be marked by misinformation."
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As markets wait for Trump-Putin meetings, global stocks are nearing record highs
Investors awaited Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss Ukraine and U.S. Retail data, which could provide clues about the health of the largest economy on earth. Early trading in Europe saw the MSCI All Country World Index consolidate recent gains. The MSCI All Country World Index was up by 0.2% last at 953.54, which is just below the record of 954.21 that was set on Wednesday. Wall Street Futures are broadly flat. The White House announced that the Trump-Putin summit will be held at 11:00 Alaska time (1900 GMT), despite the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. President's hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump said that if the talks went well, a second meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy would follow. There is still a slight risk premium on European markets due to the war. "Any type of resolution will eventually pare back that," said Shaniel RAMJEE, co-head multi-asset Pictet Asset Management. He added that oil and commodity prices may also react. "But I believe that the market has learned not to expect much from these discussions. Zelenskiy, and the Europeans will not be invited to any final negotiations. They will have to be included in any final negotiations." Investors will also be watching the U.S. Retail data that is due to come out later. An unexpected rise in producer prices on Thursday heightened inflation fears and reduced market expectations of Federal Reserve rate reductions this year. Mike Houlahan is the director of Electus Financial Ltd. in Auckland. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury was unchanged at 4.29% after the PPI data the day before had risen by 5 basis points. Dollar index, which tracks greenbacks against a basket six major currencies was trading at 97.897, down by 0.3%. The Japanese GDP data released Friday showed that the economy expanded by 1.0% annually in the April-June period, exceeding analyst expectations. The dollar fell 0.6% to 146.875. Brent crude fell 0.6% to $66.46 per barrel. Gold was essentially flat at $33,337 an ounce. The cryptocurrency markets have stabilised since bitcoin reached a record of $124,480.82 last Thursday. The digital currency rose 0.9%.
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Over 200 people are missing after landslides and floods in Indian Kashmir have killed 60.
Rescuers searched for survivors in Indian Kashmir on Friday using shovels and earthmovers. This was a day after floods caused by heavy rains left at least 200 people missing and 60 dead. On Thursday, mudslides and floodwaters swept through the village of Chasoti, sweeping away pilgrims who gathered to eat before hiking up the hill to a popular religious sight. This is the second disaster like this in the Himalayas within a few weeks. "We heard an enormous sound, and then a flash flooding and slush followed. Some people fell into the Chenab River while others shouted. "Some were buried beneath the debris", said Rakesh Singh, a pilgrim injured. On Friday, bags, clothes, and other belongings caked with mud lay scattered among broken electric poles. Rescue workers crossed makeshift bridges to try and extricate victims from the debris. Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, told reporters that at least 60 people had been killed, and more than 100 others injured, and 200 were still missing. Scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of floods in the Himalayas. Machail Yatra, also known as the Machail Mata pilgrimage, is a popular pilgrimage that takes place in the Himalayas to the shrine of Machail mata. This shrine is one manifestation of Goddess Durga. The pilgrims walk to the temple starting from Chasoti where the road ends for vehicles. The incident on Thursday comes just a few days after a similar mudslide and flood engulfed a whole village in Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state. Nature has tested us. "In the last few weeks, we've had to deal with landslides and cloudbursts, as well as other natural calamities," said Prime Minister Narendra modi at the beginning of his nearly two-hour address on the 79th anniversary of the country’s independence. According to the Indian Meteorological Department a cloudburst is a sudden and intense downpour that produces over 100 mm of rain (4 inches) in only one hour. This can cause sudden flooding, landslides and destruction, especially in mountainous areas during the monsoon. According to the data from Nepal's disaster management agency, since June of this year, there have been at least 41 deaths, 21 missing people and 121 injuries in Nepal due to floods, heavy rainfall, landslides, and hailstorms. Rescue officials reported on Friday that more than 50 people died in incidents caused by rain across the mountains of Pakistan's north. The deaths were caused by flooding and collapsed roofs. In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where eight people were killed - including six members of a family buried in the debris of their home - evacuation operations were ongoing for stranded domestic tourists. Reporting by FayazBukhari from Srinagar; Gopal Sharma, Kathmandu; MushtaqAli, Peshawar; and TariqMaqbool, Muzaffarabad. Shilpa jamkhandikar is the writer; Michael Perry, Saad sayeed and Saad Perry are editors.
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The D-backs are on a mission to win another game against the Rockies
Arizona Diamondbacks seemed to have given up the season by the time of the trade deadline. However, they have made an unexpected surge in the National League Wild-Card race. Arizona has won its last seven games, moving closer to.500. It will try to win a fourth consecutive game when it plays the Colorado Rockies in Denver on Friday. The D-backs' Brandon Pfaadt will face Colorado's Tanner Gordon (2-4, 8.37) in a rematch from a Sunday matchup at Phoenix. Arizona won Thursday's first game of the four-game current series by a score of 8-2. Pfaadt has a 3-2 record with a 5.26 ERA over five career starts, including a 1-2 mark with a a 6.30 ERA during two appearances this year. Pfaadt won on Sunday, despite allowing only three runs in five innings. Ketel Marte had three RBIs and was one of his offensive heroes in the 13-6 win. Marte is on fire since the start of August. He hit go-ahead ninth-inning home runs to win two consecutive games in Texas this week. He has been on base in every game he's played this month. His.354 average (17-for-48) includes three home runs and 14 RBIs. His average has risen nine points, to.296. He also has 23 home runs on the season. Marte, after hitting a three-run homer that gave Arizona a win of 6-4 over the Rangers on Wednesday, said: "My body's good. I'm healthy." "I just have to believe it." "That's what kind of player am I?" D-backs offense has improved in recent times. Arizona has scored one run or more in each of its last 12 games. It has also scored 15 runs, a major league record, in the opening inning. Colorado has suffered four defeats against the Diamondbacks. This includes a three-game rout in Arizona at last weekend. The Rockies won two out of three games at St. Louis before the current series began. Their modest two-game winning streak was ended on Thursday. Gordon's short career has seen him get beaten up by the Dbacks. He is 0-2 and has a 21.94 ERA. On Sunday, he gave up 10 hits and 12 runs in 4 2/3 innings. He got only two outs in his first start against Diamondbacks on August 14, 2024. Colorado has lost 8 of the 10 games it played with the Diamondbacks in this year. Arizona has scored 33-16 against the Rockies in four matches this month. They are averaging 7.7 runs per match this season. The Rockies must win 10 of their 41 remaining games in order to prevent matching the Chicago White Sox (411-121) in 2024 for the most losses in a single season by a major-league team in modern times. Colorado had a record of 22-74 after the All-Star Break, but started the second half with a score of 8-6. This put it on track to surpass 42 victories. However, nine losses over the last 11 games has slowed this momentum. Hunter Goodman, catcher of the team, said: "The results may not have always been there but this team isn't going to quit." "It's not like we quit. We show up every day and we try to improve." Field Level Media
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African Union calls for adoption of world map that shows continent's true sizes
The African Union (AU) has endorsed a campaign to stop governments and international organizations from using the 16th century Mercator world map in favor of one which more accurately depicts Africa's size. The projection was created by Gerardus Mercator to aid navigation. It distorts the sizes of continents, enlarging the areas near poles such as North America and Greenland, while shrinking Africa, and South America. Selma Haddadi, deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, said that the Mercator map gave the false impression that Africa is "marginal" despite the fact it's the second largest continent in the world by area and has over a billion inhabitants. The AU is composed of 55 member countries. She said that stereotypes like these influence the media, education, and policy. Critics of the Mercator Map are not new. However, the 'Correct the Map' campaign, led by advocacy groups Africa No Filter, and Speak Up Africa, has reignited the debate. They urge organisations to adopt 2018 Equal Earth, a projection that tries to show countries in their true size. Moky Makura is the executive director of Africa No Filter. He said that "the current size of Africa's map is incorrect." It's the longest disinformation and misinformation campaign in history, and it must stop. Fara Ndiaye said that the Mercator affects Africans' pride and identity, particularly children who may encounter it in early school. "We are actively working to promote a curriculum in which the Equal Earth project will be the standard for all (Africans) classrooms," Ndiaye stated, adding that she hoped this would be used by global institutions including those based in Africa. Haddadi stated that the AU endorsed this campaign and added that it was in line with the AU's goal to "reclaim Africa's proper place on the world stage", amid increasing calls for reparations. Haddadi said that the AU would advocate for a wider adoption of maps and discuss collective action with member states. Mercator projections are still used by many, including schools and tech companies. Google Maps changed from Mercator to a globe view on desktop in 2018. Users can still choose to switch back to Mercator if desired. The Mercator projection is still the default on the mobile app. Correct The Map wants organizations like the World Bank or the United Nations adopting the Equal Earth map. World Bank spokesperson stated that they use Winkel-Tripel for static maps, and Equal Earth on web maps. The campaign has said that it sent a request UN-GGIM, the UN's geospatial agency. UN spokesperson stated that the request must be approved and reviewed by an expert committee once it is received. Other regions support the AU. Dorbrene o'Marde, Vice-Chair of the Caribbean Community Reparations Commission (CARICOM), endorsed Equal Earth, a rejection to Mercator map’s "ideology" of power and dominance. (Reporting from London by Catarina demony and Dakar by Ayen deng Bior; Additional reporting and editing by Ngouda dione and Will Russel)
The impact of USAID cuts on the fight against fistula
USAID cuts health services in Malawi dependent on aid
The threat to progress on maternal health, which includes fistula, is real
Donors, including UNFPA, support lone fistula clinic
By Charles Pensulo
She could have suffered permanent damage, been incontinent, and even been expelled from her community if she had developed an obstetric fistula after giving birth to her second child.
The 31-year old mother, however, is in front of the hot stove, in Kukawundu, a village near Lilongwe in Malawi, excited to serve the scones that she will be cooking in the tearoom she runs with Damston.
Lloyd, who lost her baby in 2017 during a difficult labor and suffered a fistula (a small hole between a birth canal and the bladder/rectum), was able get reconstructive surgery at the only specialized treatment centre in Malawi.
Lloyd explained that after he recovered from his labor, he discovered a urine leak. Then, they told me that the problem was a fistula. But it could be fixed.
The Bwaila Fistula Care Centre, a 35-bed facility in Lilongwe that offers surgical treatment, rehabilitation programs and community reintegration is supported by UNFPA (the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health) and Freedom from Fistula Foundation.
Now, programs for treating fistula as well as other maternal conditions in Malawi and elsewhere are threatened by global aid cuts. This includes President Donald Trump’s decision to eliminate the U.S. Agency for International Development.
UNFPA reported in April that 43 grants totaling $330 million had been affected.
The grant included funds to provide critical maternal health care and protection against violence as well as rape treatment, and other life-saving treatments in over 25 crisis-affected countries and territories.
Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director, said that the cuts would force women in crisis areas to give birth in unsafe conditions without midwives, medicines or equipment. This could put their lives, and those of their babies, in danger.
According to a report released by the Non-Governmental Regulatory Authority, a government agency that regulates NGOs, in Malawi, which is one of poorest countries and also one of those hardest hit by climate change-related droughts and flooding, aid cuts have impacted critical sectors such as health care, education, and humanitarian assistance.
According to the report, "Many NGOs had to scale back activities, layoff staff, suspend service deliveries, and in some cases shut down entire programmes."
Richard Delate (UNFPA's acting representative for Malawi) described the funding situation in Malawi as "fluid."
He told reporters that "we have seen many donors, with the U.S. Government being the most prominent. There have been large reductions and rough reductions of funding."
He said that governments have been forced to pivot and rethink their response. Initiatives like UNFPA’s Maternal and Newborn Health Fund will be looking to attract new funds.
Delate added, "I don't believe we will be able ever to fill in the gaps left by the U.S. withdrawal."
PROGRESS "SLIDING BACK"
According to the United Nations, obstetric fistula can be caused by prolonged or difficult labour. The majority of the 500,000 women who suffer from this condition live in the Global South. Around 90% of women who suffer from a fistula will also lose their baby.
The smell of urine and feces from untreated fistula can cause women to be shunned. This can cause depression and worsen the poverty.
Reconstructive surgery can be used to repair a fistula, but many women are unaware of the treatment options or do not have the funds to travel to specialist clinics.
UNFPA states that the key to ending fistula is to ensure all women have access both to emergency obstetric and birth attendant care, as well as to family planning.
The global aid cuts are hitting these services hard.
Margaret Moyo is the country director of Freedom from Fistula Foundation. She says that although they would like to expand their clinics, they are now more concerned about survival.
She said, "You don't know how long the donors will stay here... So sustainability is key and government is working toward that."
Aid cuts have also led to a decrease in funds for women to get to the clinic.
Samson Mndolo, Malawi's Secretary of Health, said that the government is evaluating the situation in order to prevent "slipping back" from the progress made.
He said, "We will as a nation prioritize and see how to help fill the gap... because it will help us prevent a lot potential complications downstream." Lloyd, who learned how to open her tea shop at the care center, was trained on skills that would help her become independent when she left. It is important to do this for young women, as teenagers are more susceptible to obstetric fistula.
Delate explained that "young women with fistula face high levels of social stigma because of a variety of factors, such as body odors or the fact they had a teenage pregnancy."
He said that "supporting these women is also a way to restore their dignity and sense of self-worth and I don't believe one can measure this in financial terms."
Lilian James is sewing reusable pads at the Bwaila Center. She learned this skill during her rehabilitation.
James was given a sewing-machine and a solar panel for her rehabilitation. She can now run a small charging business, which allows her to purchase goats and chickens.
She added that her newly discovered self-sufficiency has allowed her to help others.
"I used to be stigmatized, but I'm no longer." "I do volunteer work in both the church and community," she said.
(source: Reuters)