China has significantly reduced its dependence on US-sourced helium, a critical resource for technology sectors like semiconductors and healthcare. By diversifying imports, notably from Qatar and Russia, and advancing domestic production through technology, Beijing has enhanced its helium supply security. Despite progress, imports still constitute a substantial portion of China’s helium consumption.
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Afghanistan’s Taliban has announced a gradual ban on news media publishing images of living beings, citing Islamic law. While full enforcement is pending, some provinces have started adapting. Media professionals face increased restrictions, and the media workforce has significantly declined since the Taliban took power.
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Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister, was assassinated with six gunshots outside his son Zeeshan’s office in Mumbai. Suspects, including two from Uttar Pradesh and one from Haryana, were arrested. The search for the mastermind and other culprits continues, as security and political reactions escalate.
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Starting January, the Indian government will mandate hallmarking for all gold bullion, including imports, ensuring adherence to purity standards. Exceptions will be made for bullion used by jewellers for their own productions. Current assaying and hallmarking centres will be used for verification.
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Nearly a third of positions at the National Company Law Tribunal remain unfilled, impacting the government’s insolvency reform initiative. This shortage has led to operational inefficiencies, delaying insolvency resolutions significantly. The average resolution time has surged to 716 days, far exceeding the 270-day deadline, posing challenges for corporate insolvency processes.
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Retail inflation in New Delhi rose to a 9-month high of 5.5% in September, driven by a sharp increase in food prices like vegetables, edible oils, and pulses. This surge in inflation dampens hopes for an interest rate cut, despite the RBI’s recent policy shift to a neutral stance.
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