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Gold prices soar, but Indians prefer coins to jewellery for the festive season
Industry officials said that Indian buyers chose coins and bars instead of jewellery at the Dhanteras Festival on Saturday because they were hoping the gold price rally would continue. Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali, a five-day festival of lights. It is considered auspicious to buy gold. In fact, it is the second busiest day for gold purchases in the world. The volume of gold sold during Dhanteras was 10-15% less than last year. However, the total value increased sharply because prices were higher, according to Rajesh Rokde, chairman, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council. Surendra Mehta is the secretary of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association. He said that gold jewellery demand was hit by record-high prices. Prices dropped nearly 30% compared to last year. However, coins and bars flew off the shelves. India's gold jewellery is more expensive than gold coins because buyers pay manufacturing fees of 10-20%. Gold prices in India closed at 127.008 rupees for 10 grams last Friday, after reaching a record high price of 132.294. This represents a rise of over 60% from Dhanteras last year. India's NSE Nifty50 share index rose about 5% over the period. Sachin Jain is the CEO of World Gold Council India operations. This week, Indian dealers quoted a premium. The price of gold can be up to 25 dollars per ounce more than the official domestic prices. This includes 6% import duties and 3% sales taxes. It is the highest it has been in over a decade. Saurabh Gadgil of PNG Jewellers said that the price rise for silver bars, coins and jewellery has been a major factor in driving demand this year. Dealers said investors believe silver will outperform gold. In recent months, the higher returns of precious metals has attracted strong inflows to physically backed exchange-traded gold and silver funds. Rokde, of GJC, said: "With Dhanteras continuing tomorrow afternoon and jewellery stores staying open until midnight, we expect the buying momentum to continue." (Reporting and editing by Jan Harvey; Rajendra Jadhav)
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New Zealand's Finmin aims to strengthen regional ties as US-China trade war continues
Nicola Willis, New Zealand's Finance Minister, said that regional and bilateral trade relationships would continue to grow in the face of the U.S.-China Trade War. Small countries such as hers will have to adjust to a different reality and maintain their priorities. Willis stated in an interview with The New Zealand Herald on Thursday that New Zealand is acutely aware of geopolitical risks and economic challenges. However, her discussions this week at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual meetings showed the strength of international institutions as well as trade agreements among other countries. She said that New Zealand and the European Union have expressed an interest in establishing a partnership under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This is a free-trade agreement between 11 countries, including Canada and Japan. She said that a separate trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates is also promising. She said: "All those trade relations are very strong. The message we receive from our partners is they want to continue building on them and expanding them rather than going the other direction." "We are cautious and worried about any backsliding in agreements. But we don't see signs that this is happening." IMF and global officials highlighted this week uncertainty and risks associated with a new escalation of the U.S. China trade war. However, they also pointed out that global trade has remained resilient, noting only three countries, the U.S. China, and Canada, had increased tariff rates in the past few months. 72% still adhere to the existing rules. Willis stated that New Zealand was also committed to meeting its emissions reductions commitments under Paris Climate Accord and didn't expect the withdrawal of the U.S. by President Donald Trump from the agreement to derail the country's efforts. Willis stated that "we need to adapt and prepare for the threat and risk of more extreme climate events, not only for ourselves but also for our Pacific Island family who are especially vulnerable to significant climatic event," Willis added. She said that consumers in the U.S. and around the globe would continue to have an interest in the emission profile of countries such as New Zealand. This creates a commercial imperative for climate action. Willis stated that existing trade agreements such as New Zealand’s deal with the EU required continued adherence of climate commitments. There are many bilateral agreements around the world in which countries have agreed to continue their climate action. "I'm seeing many nations continue to honor their commitments." Willis added that New Zealand remained a member of the Five Eyes Group, alongside Britain, Canada, U.S.A., and Australia. It was also increasing its defense expenditure along with other countries amid growing geo-strategic tensions and fragility. (Reporting and Editing by Marguerita Chy)
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As local ceasefire zones are set, repairs begin on the Zaporizhzhia Power Plant lines
Officials said that after a four-week power outage at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, repair work had begun on the damaged power lines off-site. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi stated that the work started after local ceasefire zones had been established to allow the repairs to progress. The plant produces no electricity at the moment, but it needs to produce power in order to keep fuel cool and prevent a meltdown. "Restoring off-site electricity is critical for nuclear safety and secure. Grossi wrote on the social media platform X that both sides had engaged with the IAEA in a constructive manner to allow a complex plan of repair to move forward. The Ukrainian Energy Ministry and the Russian-appointed Management of the Plant both confirmed that the maintenance work. In the first few weeks of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian troops seized Europe’s largest nuclear power plant with six reactors. Both Kyiv, and Moscow accuse one another of regular attacks that threaten nuclear safety. The power plant, located near Enerhodar on the Dnipro River, is in close proximity to the frontline. The plant has been disconnected from the grid many times during the three-and-a-half years of war. However, the most recent outage was the longest. Svitlana Svitlana Hrynchuk, Ukrainian Energy Minister said connecting the plant to Ukraine's grid and having Ukrainian experts ensure its stability were essential to prevent a nuclear accident. The Russian-appointed plant management said that the Russian Defence Ministry will play a crucial role in ensuring safety during the repair works. Reporting by Rajveer Pardesi, in Bengaluru; Filipp Lebedev, in London; and Olena Hartmash, in Kyiv. Editing by Jan Harvey.
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Iberdrola Puts 49% East Anglia TWO Offshore Wind Stake Up for Sale
Spanish power utility Iberdrola is seeking to sell 49% of its offshore wind farm East Anglia Two in Britain, which has an estimated total value of 5 billion euros ($5.8 billion), newspaper Cinco Dias reported on Thursday, citing unidentified sources familiar with the plans.The company has hired Bank of America BAC.N and BBVA BBVA.MC as financial advisers for the potential sale, the report said.An Iberdrola spokesperson did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.Iberdrola has been shifting its focus from green assets to power networks in regions with maximum legal certainty, such as the United States and Britain.The company continues to see the U.S. as a key market despite opposition from President Donald Trump's administration to offshore wind. But the bulk of its investments are in power networks - regulated at state level - in Democratic-controlled states like New York, Maine, Massachusetts or Connecticut.In September, Iberdrola announced a 30% increase in investment through 2028 to 58 billion euros - two thirds of which are destined to British and U.S. power networks.($1 = 0.8581 euros)(Reuters - Reporting by David Latona; Editing by Jane Merriman)
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Moody's downgrades Botswana's credit rating to "Baa1" amid a slump in the diamond industry
Moody's, the global credit rating agency, downgraded Botswana's ratings to 'Baa1' (from 'A3') on Friday. The downgrade was attributed to the government's difficulties in adapting to the structural decline in the diamond sector and the increasing government debt. Moody's stated in a press release that "the economy remains heavily dependent on capital-intensive mining of diamonds; diversification efforts are lagging due to reform delays while climate shocks continue to persist." Botswana, long regarded as an African success story in economics, is now in a slump. This is due to the prolonged decline in the global market for diamonds, its main export. The demand has been hurt by the economic uncertainty in the world and the growing popularity of lab-grown gemstones. According to Moody's, the world's largest diamond producer by value has seen its current account deficit increase and reserves fall to an historic low. Botswana is expected to see its economy decline by 6% more in 2025, as the country remains vulnerable to global demand shocks, technological disruptions from lab-grown substitutes and changes in consumer preference. S&P, a peer agency, cut Botswana’s rating last month to 'BBB.' It expects that weak global diamond prices and demand will continue to keep the Southern African nation's fiscal and external flow positions weak. The agency stated that the global diamond slump is not likely to reverse and maintained the country's view as 'negative.' (Reporting and editing by AnushkaChourasia and SfundoParakozov)
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Hand and foot remains found in Kenya suggest ancient human relatives
Researchers in northern Kenya have discovered fossils of the hand and foot bones of an extinct human relative that dates back to 1.52million years ago. This species was able to manipulate stone tools, and would have been fully bipedal. The fossils were the first to be unambiguously associated with the species Paranthropus boisei. Researchers found a partial skull that contained a large portion of the hand and three foot bones. They also discovered most of teeth, a forearm fragment, a partial tooth, and a fragment of a skull. The new discovery is a revelation, especially when you consider the fragmentary nature previous fossils. This species is a descendant of Homo Sapiens, who evolved much later. Paranthropus bossei had a robust build with massive teeth and strong jaws. The skull of Paranthropus boisei was designed for chewing tough plant food. It had a crest on top to anchor the large jaw muscles. Flaring cheekbones gave it a dish shape. It was difficult to know the species without hand and foot fossils. This included whether it could have made and used simple tools. The study, published in Nature this week, was led by paleoanthropologist Carrie Mongle, a researcher at Stony Brook University, New York. The fossils have been discovered on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana in a place called Koobi Fora. Before this discovery, researchers were only able to study the dental and cranial remains, but very little else was known about this species' skeleton, said Louise Leakey of the Koobi Fora Research Project, a paleoanthropologist who co-authored the study. Mongle stated that the hand bones showed it was able to form precision grips like modern humans. This suggests this species could have made and used stone tools. Leakey stated that the handshake would have been very firm. We can tell that this species' hand was built to be able to hold firmly and for a long time. It would have been similar to gorillas as it would have used the hands to break down tough plant food, such as tearing, crushing or stripping vegetation. This is consistent with their hard and fibrous dietary habits, seen in its robust dentition. Fossils also revealed the species' locomotion. It was well adapted to walk upright on two feet. Leakey explained that "we can tell from its few foot bones that it is fully bipedal and not flat-footed, like a monkey, and that it would have had a similar lateral arch to ours which would have propelled the animal forward as it walked." Hominins are species that have evolved from humans. Paranthropus boisei is one of the four hominins that shared East Africa's landscape between one and two millions years ago. There have been discoveries of stone and bone tools dating from this period, but it is unclear if Paranthropus could have made and used them. Genus is a term used to describe a grouping of closely related species. Our species belongs to Homo. Homo, Homo Rudolfensis, and Homo Erectus are extinct species that lived in East Africa at the same time as Paranthropus. Some of these species literally crossed paths. In a study published in 2013, Paranthropus erectus and Homo boisei left footprints that crossed each other at Koobi Fora, a once muddy lakeshore. This discovery raised interesting questions about the relationship and competition between the two species for resources. Mongle explained that "Conventional Wisdom" has it that, while Homo was specialized in bigger brains and stone tools that allowed them to adapt well to changing climates, Paranthropus became a grass-focused dietary specialist. Leakey stated that the Paranthropus eventually went extinct.
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US furloughs workers at Nuclear Weapons Agency due to shutdown
Chris Wright, the Energy Secretary of the United States, said that the Trump administration will start furloughing workers next week at the agency responsible for managing the U.S. arsenal of nuclear weapons due to the shutdown. Wright stated in a posting on X, that furloughs would affect National Nuclear Security Administration employees who are "critical for modernizing our nuclear weapons." The NNSA is a semi-autonomous department of energy that also works in Ukraine to protect dangerous nuclear materials as the war against Russia continues. About 2,000 employees supervise 60,000 contractors who maintain and test weapons in national laboratories across the U.S. Wright told USA Today, that due to the shutdown now in its 17th week, there could be up to tens-of-thousands of contractor layoffs and furloughs for staff. Experts in nuclear weapons control have criticized potential reductions. The Arms Control Association's executive director Daryl Kimball said, "If the Trump Administration really believes the NNSA functions are important - and many are essential for nuclear facilities safety and security - I am sure they will find the funding to keep workers on the jobs, or they may want to reconsider their position regarding the federal government shut down." Wright, speaking to Bloomberg Surveillance Friday, said that the agency would not be furloughing people who work in emergency services. Wright said that the nuclear weapons modernization program, which is replacing older weapons with newer ones, could be affected. He said that the modernization program was just starting to gain momentum. "To have everyone unpaid and not come to work will not be helpful." A non-partisan report from the Congressional Budget Office in April projected that costs for operating and modernizing America’s nuclear forces until 2034 would reach $946 billion. This is 25% more than a previous estimate of 2023. The NNSA and Pentagon share the costs of nuclear weapons.
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A stampede kills two and injures many at the funeral of Kenyan opposition leader Odinga
Doctors Without Borders reported that two people died and over 160 were injured during a stampede on Friday at the funeral of Kenyan Opposition Leader Raila Odinga. Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium was packed with people for the funeral of Odinga. Heavy security was also in place. Kenyan broadcaster NTV said that some people in the crowd rushed forward to see Odinga's corpse, causing them to crush mourners. It did not provide any further details. Kenya Red Cross spokeswoman said that "our teams are helping to treat and evacuate the wounded" but added that more details were not available immediately. The police did no answer the phone. Doctors Without Borders released a statement saying that two people died in the melee, and that more than 160 other were injured. The exact cause of all injuries, including fractures and blunt trauma, was not immediately known. Three people died on Thursday, when security forces opened fire at mourners at the Kasarani Stadium during a public viewing. Former political prisoner, who ran for president unsuccessfully five times in Kenyan politics for decades. He died on Wednesday, aged 80, in India where he was receiving medical care. Thousands of mourners danced and waved white handkerchiefs at the Friday service. Banners bearing Odinga’s portrait were also displayed. Some blew vuvuzelas and whistles to honour the man whom they called "Baba" or father in Swahili. William Ruto, Kenya's President, attended the service on Friday which included military honours. Since early Thursday morning, people have been taking to the streets to show their respect and to celebrate Odinga. Mourners stormed the main airport of the country when the plane with his body arrived. Flights were suspended for two hours. Odinga will be buried on Sunday at his homestead, in western Kenya. He was particularly beloved by members of the Luo tribe. Many of them believe that he lost the presidency through electoral fraud. Odinga, who is primarily known as an opponent, became Prime Minister in 2008; he also formed a political alliance with the former President Uhuru Nairobitta in 2018 and Ruto in 2018. This has been a career marked by shifting alliances. (Reporting and editing by Toby Chopra, Cynthia Osterman, Vincent Mumo and George Obulutsa)
Trump Administration prepares reciprocal US tariffs amid trade war fears
Donald Trump's advisers on trade were finalizing plans for the reciprocal duties that the U.S. President has promised to impose against every country that imposes duties on U.S. imported goods, raising fears of an expanding global trade war.
Trump shocked the markets on Monday with his decision to impose tariffs starting March 12 on all imports of steel and aluminum. Mexico, Canada, and the European Union condemned the plans, while Japan, Australia, and other countries said they wanted exemptions.
Industries that depend on imports of steel and aluminum scrambled to reduce the expected cost increase.
Last week, Trump imposed an additional 10% tariff for Chinese goods. This was effective on February 4. Chinese countermeasures took effect this week.
He delayed the 25% tariff on goods coming from Mexico and Canada by a month, until March 4, to allow for negotiations about steps to secure U.S. border security and stop the flow of fentanyl.
Many U.S. workers were pleased with the metal tariffs imposed on Monday, but manufacturing-heavy companies agonized about the next steps. They warned that the tariff increase would have a ripple effect across the supply chain, affecting businesses who rely upon the materials.
White House officials are being tight-lipped regarding the timing or structure of the next tariffs. One source has said that the announcement could come later this week.
Trump announced on Monday that he will announce reciprocal tariffs within the next two business days for all countries who impose duties on U.S. products. He also said he is looking into separate tariffs for cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals.
Experts in trade say that structuring the reciprocal duties Trump wants presents big challenges to his team. This may explain why the latest tariffs were not announced Tuesday.
William Reinsch said Trump officials can choose between a simple 10% or 20% flat tariff rate or a messier option that requires separate tariff schedules that match U.S. rates to those of other countries.
A source who tracks the work on tariffs reported that details are still being worked out as late as Tuesday.
Damon Pike is a principal and trade specialist with BDO International's U.S. division. He said that the reciprocal tariffs Trump envisaged would be a massive undertaking given that the 186 member countries of the World Customs Organization have different duty rates.
"At an international level, you'll find 5,000 different product subheadings at the 6-digit level. That's 5,000 times 186 countries. "It's like an artificial intelligence project," said he.
Experts believe that Trump could use several statutes. These include Section 122 of Trade Act of 1974 which only allows a maximum flat rate of 15% for a period of six months or Section 338 of Tariff Act of 1929, which gives authority to take action against unfair trade practices that harm U.S. Commerce, but which has never been used.
Trump could also use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify tariffs on China, and those pending against Canada and Mexico.
Pike added that, without IEEPA's help, it would take some sort of agency action before trade remedies could be imposed. "But everything seems to move quickly," he said.
Reinsch stated that imposing reciprocal tariffs also ceded the control of U.S. tariff rates to other countries.
"For instance, if Colombia had a high coffee tariff to protect their industry, we'd put a similar high tariff on Colombian Coffee, even though we do not grow coffee. "The only ones who would suffer are the U.S. consumer," he said.
(source: Reuters)