Home Blog Page 20

Agriculture absorbs Rs430 billion flood losses but shows early signs of recovery

News Desk
-
0
Agriculture absorbs Rs430 billion flood losses but shows early signs of recovery

By Azeem Ahmed Khan

ISLAMABAD, Oct 27 (Wealth Pakistan) – Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which suffered massive losses of over Rs430 billion due to floods, is now showing early signs of recovery. The improvement comes as higher credit disbursement, better input availability, and rural support measures boost farming activity across the country.

Early indicators of resilience

According to the Finance Division’s Monthly Economic Update & Outlook (October 2025), the floods damaged major crops such as rice, cotton, sugarcane, maize, fodder, and vegetables. Despite this destruction, data from July to September 2025 show that the sector is recovering faster than expected.

During July–August FY2026, agricultural credit disbursement rose by 19.5 percent to Rs404.2 billion, compared to Rs338.2 billion in the same period last year. This reflects improved lending conditions and the continuation of special financing schemes to help farmers restore productivity.

Surge in input use and investment

Farm mechanization is gaining traction again. Imports of agricultural machinery increased by 31.3 percent, reaching $39.3 million compared to $29.9 million last year. Fertilizer usage also strengthened, indicating that farmers are preparing larger cultivation areas.

During Kharif 2025 (April–September), urea offtake reached 3.1 million tonnes, marking a 13.1 percent rise over Kharif 2024. Similarly, DAP offtake rose by 1.2 percent to 650,000 tonnes. These numbers highlight confidence among farmers and improved access to inputs.

Government support accelerates recovery

The report noted that recovery efforts are well underway, supported by targeted government programs for small and medium farmers. The federal and provincial administrations have improved the supply of quality seeds, fertilizers, and rural credit. Restoration of rural infrastructure—such as irrigation channels and farm-to-market roads—has also been prioritized.

Economists say the rebound demonstrates the sector’s strong foundation. “Although the losses were huge, the rapid rise in credit and input use shows that agriculture remains Pakistan’s economic backbone,” one analyst told Wealth Pakistan. “With continued support, the sector could recover fully within two crop cycles.”

Impact on food security and economy

The Finance Division stressed that agricultural resilience is essential for food security and price stability. “The sector’s revival will also strengthen services and manufacturing industries, given its deep backward and forward linkages,” it said.

Satellite-based assessments show improved vegetation cover in several flood-hit regions, confirming that crop restoration is progressing. The rise in urea sales and machinery imports further reflects farmer optimism.

Path to long-term resilience

Experts emphasize the need for climate-resilient practices, flood management systems, and crop insurance to protect small farmers from future shocks. They recommend that authorities enhance investment in drainage infrastructure and introduce financial safety nets.

The Finance Division projects that agriculture will contribute positively to GDP growth in FY2026, provided favorable weather and stable input prices continue. “Despite the flood impact, the sector is expected to regain momentum, supported by credit expansion, mechanization, and input facilitation,” the report concluded.

Pakistan delivers firm message to Afghan Taliban during Istanbul talks

News Desk
-
0
Pakistan delivers firm message to Afghan Taliban during Istanbul talks

ISLAMABAD, Oct 27 (Wealth Pakistan) – Pakistan has firmly presented its final position to the Afghan Taliban delegation during the latest round of talks in Istanbul, warning that continued support for terrorist groups is unacceptable, according to credible security sources.

Pakistan Calls for Verifiable Action on Cross-Border Terrorism

During the discussions, Pakistan expressed deep concern over cross-border terrorism and the activities of militant groups using Afghan soil to target Pakistani forces. Officials said the Pakistani side urged the Taliban regime to take concrete, verifiable, and time-bound measures to eliminate terror networks operating from within Afghanistan.

“Pakistan has made it clear that the ongoing patronage of terrorists by the Afghan Taliban is unacceptable,” one security source said. “Our delegation emphasized that decisive action is essential to ensure regional peace and mutual security.”

Evidence Presented of Terror Networks Inside Afghanistan

According to security sources, the Pakistani delegation presented documented intelligence evidence proving the existence and operations of militant sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. The team highlighted how these groups have carried out cross-border attacks, undermining both Pakistan’s and Afghanistan’s stability.

Officials said Pakistan’s position was evidence-based and aimed at producing lasting peace, not confrontation.

Taliban’s Response Termed Illogical and Unrealistic

Security sources described the Taliban delegation’s arguments as illogical and contrary to ground realities, noting that Kabul appeared to be following an agenda influenced by external interests. “It seems that the Taliban are pursuing objectives that do not serve the interests of Afghanistan, Pakistan, or the region,” one senior official observed.

They added that this approach raises concerns about the Taliban’s commitment to regional stability.

Host Nation Urges Constructive Engagement

The stubbornness and non-cooperative attitude of the Taliban delegation have become increasingly evident to other participants of the dialogue, especially the host country, according to the sources. “Even the facilitators now recognize the lack of seriousness from the Taliban side,” one participant said.

Host-country interlocutors are reportedly making extensive efforts to bring the Taliban to acknowledge factual realities and cooperate in good faith.

Pakistan Reiterates Non-Negotiable Core Demands

Pakistan has reiterated that no compromise is possible on its core security concerns, particularly regarding the elimination of cross-border terrorism. “Our demands are clear, evidence-based, and focused on a real and permanent solution,” the officials said.

The sources stressed that future progress in the Istanbul talks depends entirely on the Afghan Taliban’s attitude. “Constructive engagement and a responsible approach are the only ways forward,” one source concluded.

Illiteracy: A Matter of Concern for Pakistan

News Desk
-
0
Illiteracy: A Matter of Concern for Pakistan

By Muhammad Asif

Illiteracy remains one of the most serious challenges facing developing nations, including Pakistan. Education is not a privilege but a constitutional right. Yet millions still live without basic reading and writing skills. This lack of literacy limits opportunities, leaving people jobless, uninformed, and unable to participate effectively in social and political life.

Root causes of illiteracy

Several factors contribute to Pakistan’s high illiteracy rate. Poverty, a shortage of schools, and inadequate educational infrastructure are the most pressing. According to UNESCO, about 13–14 percent of adults globally remain illiterate, and nearly two-thirds of them are women — highlighting persistent gender inequality in access to education.

In Pakistan, rural and underprivileged areas face an even greater crisis. Many children leave school early to support their families or due to long travel distances to the nearest educational institution. The lack of trained teachers, outdated curricula, and weak accountability systems further deepen the problem.

COVID-19 and the widening education gap

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified this crisis. School closures affected more than 1.6 billion students worldwide, with marginalized children suffering the most. Many in Pakistan lacked internet access, digital devices, or reliable electricity to continue learning.

This disruption revealed structural flaws: underfunded education systems, teacher shortages, and a lack of digital learning strategies. As a result, students experienced major learning losses, and dropout rates increased — especially among girls and low-income households.

Economic and social consequences

Illiteracy has far-reaching implications beyond classrooms. It reinforces poverty, widens social divides, and weakens national productivity. People without basic literacy struggle to find stable jobs or understand health and civic information.

Moreover, the growing education gap between the rich and the poor prevents social mobility. Many skilled individuals migrate abroad in search of better opportunities, contributing to brain drain and slowing down Pakistan’s overall development.

Steps toward a literate Pakistan

Overcoming illiteracy requires a coordinated national effort. Governments must invest in building schools, ensuring free and compulsory education, and hiring qualified teachers. Policies promoting gender equality, community involvement, and inclusive education can help reduce disparities.

Investment in early education is equally vital. Research shows that every dollar spent on early childhood care can yield up to seventeen dollars in long-term economic benefits. Educating the youngest generation builds the foundation for a more informed, skilled, and creative workforce.

Education as the backbone of progress

Education is the backbone of social progress, innovation, and national stability. A nation that neglects learning restricts its own future. To secure a brighter tomorrow, Pakistan must place literacy at the heart of its development agenda.

By working together—government, communities, and individuals—the country can break the cycle of illiteracy, unleash human potential, and empower future generations to build a stronger, more equitable Pakistan.

Digital Narratives and Propaganda in Pakistan

News Desk
-
0
Digital Narratives and Propaganda in Pakistan

By Dr. Rehan Rasheed Tanoli

In today’s Pakistan, a pixel is no longer just a dot on a screen. It is a weapon, a witness, and a whisper in the ever-expanding chorus of digital narratives. From political memes to viral TikTok videos, the country’s online landscape has turned into a restless arena of competing stories — crafted, distorted, amplified, and often suppressed.

This reflection explores how narratives are built and spread in Pakistan’s digital ecosystem — and how a structured media and information literacy program, integrated into education, could offer an evidence-based solution to this growing challenge.

The rise of visual storytelling

Narratives today are not spun through lengthy manifestos but constructed frame by frame. A single protest snapshot from Gwadar, a blurred video of a political aide’s detention, or a meme comparing one leader to a lion and another to a tiger can shape perceptions instantly.

Platforms like X, TikTok, and YouTube have become dynamic canvases for these visual micro-stories. Scholars such as Hassan Khali note that these spaces allow political actors “to disseminate their narratives, mobilize supporters, and cultivate fear and self-censorship.”

Political engineering and digital manipulation

Narrative construction in Pakistan is not accidental. It is often strategically engineered. Political parties deploy coordinated digital squads — sometimes powered by bots or fake accounts — to promote their own messaging or discredit rivals.

The PTI’s rise owed much to curated memes, viral hashtags, and influencer-driven campaigns. The PML-N, in turn, built counter-narratives centered on legitimacy and stability, shared widely across Facebook and YouTube channels.

This digital arms race carries social costs. As researchers Babar Farooq, Nazia Malik, and Saira Siddiqui have documented, the use of bots to amplify narratives and suppress dissent has fueled polarization and undermined public trust.

The algorithmic echo chamber

Platform algorithms amplify emotional and provocative content because outrage fuels engagement. Researcher Muhammad Yaseen Moroojo observes that these systems “amplify certain political narratives while suppressing others,” reinforcing echo chambers where traction often triumphs over truth.

During Pakistan’s 2022 political transition, viral content frequently blurred fact and fiction. Images and captions, emotionally charged but often inaccurate, shaped public opinion faster than any official statement.

The culture of digital provocation

What was once confined to late-night satire or editorial cartoons has now evolved into real-time provocation. Satirical accounts and humorous edits critique the powerful, but misinformation thrives when doctored videos or AI-generated audio clips are shared without verification.

One such viral recording, allegedly between a senior politician and a judge, later raised authenticity concerns. The temporary confusion it caused revealed just how fragile trust has become in Pakistan’s media ecosystem.

Brigadier (R) Dr. Zeeshan Faisal Khan calls this “the hidden cost of digital propaganda” — the quiet erosion of social cohesion through manufactured provocation.

Censorship and the politics of silence

The struggle over narratives extends beyond amplification to suppression. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has periodically blocked platforms like TikTok, X, and YouTube on moral or security grounds.

Such restrictions, however, often silence marginalized voices. Baloch activists, for example, have reported content removals that hinder awareness of human rights issues, as documented by Muhammad Salman Ijaz. When dissenting stories are muted, curated narratives dominate public discourse, reshaping reality itself.

Information warfare and policy gaps

Digital manipulation is no longer limited to individuals. Organized networks, fake news farms, and paid influencers are now key players in Pakistan’s information warfare. Muhammad Noaman Yousaf, in his policy study Combating Fake News and Propaganda, argues that safeguarding media integrity and rebuilding public trust are essential steps toward national stability.

Cross-border influence campaigns, as documented by Saudi and Kazim, have further blurred boundaries, creating cycles of mutual digital escalation between domestic and foreign actors.

Media Mind: A path toward digital resilience

Amid this complex environment, the Mediatiz Foundation’s Media Mind program offers a constructive and timely intervention. Designed as Pakistan’s first online media literacy and civic learning curriculum, it aims to equip youth with the skills to critically engage with digital content.

The program aligns with UNESCO’s media literacy framework while incorporating local realities. It spans modules for students from middle school to university, covering digital literacy, misinformation detection, and ethical media engagement.

Its layered approach achieves several goals:

• It strengthens critical thinking, helping students question headlines, detect manipulation, and identify doctored visuals.
• It promotes digital citizenship and respectful online dialogue.
• It builds resilience against misinformation by encouraging users to pause and verify before sharing.
• It empowers young people to become ethical contributors, not passive amplifiers, in the digital space.

Randomized educational trials in Pakistan have already shown that such targeted media literacy programs improve the ability to spot fake news. Media Mind aligns with these findings, offering a scalable, curriculum-based solution.

Building discernment in the digital age

While no program can erase propaganda or algorithmic bias overnight, media literacy builds essential safeguards. It gives citizens the tools to question narratives rather than absorb them.

As pixels increasingly shape perception, control over imagery often translates into control over truth. Initiatives like Media Mind cannot rewrite every narrative, but they can teach citizens to read between the pixels — to engage thoughtfully, not reactively.

In the end, every scroll and every share contributes to the digital story we tell ourselves. The question is no longer just what we see, but what we choose to amplify — and why.

Menopause causes brain changes that may affect memory and mood

News Desk
-
0
Menopause causes brain changes that may affect memory and mood

WASHINGTON, Oct 26 – The menopause transition can be a challenging phase in life. While hot flashes are common, hormonal changes during this period may also cause deeper effects on the brain, influencing memory, mood, and daily function.

Researchers from the BRAVE Lab at Ponce Health Sciences University have reviewed recent studies to identify how menopause alters brain structure. Their findings will be presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society.

Brain changes linked to menopause

The research team reviewed peer-reviewed studies from the past five years to explore connections between menopause and the brain. They found a consistent pattern showing a drop in gray matter volume during the menopause transition.

Gray matter is critical for memory, decision-making, and day-to-day functioning. Its reduction is linked to cognitive decline. However, some studies suggest partial recovery of gray matter volume after menopause, indicating that the brain may adapt and reorganize itself over time.

The researchers also found changes in white matter, particularly white matter hyperintensities – bright spots on MRI scans that may reflect stress or damage to brain communication pathways. These spots were more pronounced in women who experienced early menopause or frequent vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Overall, the findings suggest menopause may cause measurable brain structure changes that could influence thinking, memory, and emotional well-being.

Experts urge caution and context

Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, told Medical News Today that women should not be overly alarmed by these findings.

“While menopause is related to some structural brain changes, we don’t have a clear understanding of whether these changes lead to cognitive decline,” she said.

She added that forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating during menopause does not necessarily indicate a serious problem. “There is no evidence that symptoms of brain fog during menopause are linked to dementia later in life, which is reassuring,” Faubion noted.

Role of hormone therapy and brain protection

Dr. Rhonda R. Voskuhl, professor of neurology at UCLA and inventor of CleopatraRX, emphasized the importance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). “Early treatment with estrogen is better than later treatment,” she said. “Women become less responsive to estrogen over the years.”

Voskuhl added that women with a uterus also need progesterone as part of their therapy. She explained that the loss of neuroprotective estrogen might contribute to higher Alzheimer’s risk in women 10 to 20 years after menopause. More research is needed to confirm whether HRT can reduce this risk.

Understanding menopause and its symptoms

Menopause occurs when a person has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, signaling that the ovaries have stopped producing estrogen and progesterone. The period leading up to it is called perimenopause, which can last several years.

Common symptoms include:
• hot flashes
• night sweats
• mood swings
• fatigue and low energy
• irregular or missed periods
• cognitive difficulties such as memory lapses or brain fog

These symptoms vary in intensity and duration. Doctors often prescribe hormone therapy or antidepressants like SSRIs (Lexapro, Prozac, or Zoloft) to manage symptoms such as mood changes, sleep problems, and hot flashes.

Not everyone is a candidate for hormone therapy, and treatment decisions should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

This report was originally published by Medical News Today.

COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients battle tumors

News Desk
-
0
COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients battle tumors

WASHINGTON, Oct 26 (AP) – The most commonly used COVID-19 vaccines could provide an unexpected benefit for some cancer patients by helping their immune systems fight tumors, according to new research published in the journal Nature.

mRNA vaccines linked to longer survival in cancer patients

Researchers found that people with advanced lung or skin cancer lived substantially longer when they received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine within 100 days of starting immunotherapy treatment. The findings were made by scientists from the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and the University of Florida.

The improved outcomes were not related to protection against the coronavirus. Instead, the vaccines’ key component, messenger RNA (mRNA), appeared to strengthen the immune system’s ability to respond to certain cancer treatments.

Lead researcher Dr. Adam Grippin from MD Anderson said, “The vaccine acts like a siren to activate immune cells throughout the body. We’re sensitizing immune-resistant tumors to immune therapy.”

How mRNA vaccines may boost cancer treatment

Messenger RNA is naturally found in human cells and carries genetic instructions for making proteins. It became widely known as the Nobel Prize-winning technology behind the COVID-19 vaccines. Scientists have long been exploring mRNA-based “treatment vaccines” to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

The current research suggests that even standard coronavirus vaccines using mRNA might enhance immune response in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors — a class of drugs that helps immune cells detect and attack hidden tumors.

Checkpoint inhibitors have transformed cancer treatment in recent years, but they don’t work for everyone. The study indicates that mRNA vaccines may make resistant tumors more responsive to these drugs.

Promising but early-stage findings

The research team analyzed medical records of nearly 1,000 patients with advanced lung or skin cancer who were undergoing immunotherapy. Those who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine showed significantly better survival rates than those who did not.

Among lung cancer patients, vaccinated individuals were nearly twice as likely to be alive three years after beginning treatment. Melanoma patients who received the vaccines also lived longer, though the final survival data is still being analyzed.

Non-mRNA vaccines, such as flu shots, showed no similar effect.

Dr. Jeff Coller, an mRNA specialist at Johns Hopkins University who was not involved in the study, called the findings “a very good clue” that mRNA medicines could have wider benefits. “What it shows is that mRNA medicines are continuing to surprise us in how beneficial they can be to human health,” he said.

Future research and implications

Despite the encouraging results, researchers stress that more rigorous trials are needed to confirm the connection between mRNA vaccines and improved cancer outcomes. The MD Anderson team plans to study whether pairing COVID-19 mRNA vaccines with checkpoint inhibitors could enhance treatment before developing new cancer-specific mRNA vaccines.

Dr. Grippin noted that the team’s next step is to explore how these vaccines might be used as an adjunct therapy to make existing cancer drugs more effective.

Meanwhile, public debate continues around mRNA technology, with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently reducing funding for certain mRNA-related research. Nonetheless, scientists say the findings highlight how this technology could be repurposed to address other serious diseases beyond COVID-19.

This report was originally published by The Associated Press.

First Alzheimer’s pill for genetically at-risk patients shows promise in phase 3 trial

News Desk
-
0
First Alzheimer’s pill for genetically at-risk patients shows promise in phase 3 trial

WASHINGTON, Oct 26 – Scientists have reported encouraging results from a phase 3 clinical trial of the world’s first oral Alzheimer’s pill targeting people at high genetic risk of the disease. The experimental drug, called valiltramiprosate (ALZ-801), has shown promise in slowing brain shrinkage and protecting cognitive function in early-stage patients carrying two copies of the APOE4 gene variant.

Gene link to Alzheimer’s disease

While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unknown, genetic studies have shown that the APOE4 gene significantly increases a person’s risk. Between 15% and 25% of the population carry at least one APOE4 variant, while people with two copies—known as APOE4/4—face up to a 60% chance of developing the disease by age 85.

Dr. Susan Abushakra, chief medical officer of the U.S. biopharmaceutical firm Alzheon, explained that APOE4/4 patients make up about 15% of all Alzheimer’s cases. “These patients face the highest genetic risk, experience faster disease progression, and have the fewest treatment options,” she said. “They also have a higher risk of brain swelling and bleeding from existing anti-amyloid therapies.”

How valiltramiprosate works

Valiltramiprosate is the first investigational oral therapy designed for patients who carry two APOE4 genes. According to Dr. Abushakra, the drug works by blocking the formation of toxic amyloid clusters in the brain, which are believed to damage neurons and trigger Alzheimer’s.

“ALZ-801 works early in the process to prevent small amyloid proteins from clumping into harmful oligomers and plaques,” she said. “This mechanism protects neurons from damage and may help preserve brain tissue.”

Trial results show slower brain atrophy

The phase 3 study included 325 participants aged 50–80 with APOE4/4 at early symptomatic stages of Alzheimer’s, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia. Half the participants received valiltramiprosate, while the others were given a placebo.

Researchers found that participants treated with the drug showed slower brain atrophy in multiple regions and reduced water diffusivity—a marker of slower neurodegeneration. “At the MCI stage, we observed meaningful cognitive and functional benefits along with protection against brain shrinkage,” Dr. Abushakra said.

MRI scans showed that patients receiving ALZ-801 over 78 weeks retained more brain volume than those on placebo. Using diffusion MRI, scientists also found less water in the brain tissue of treated patients, suggesting that the drug helped preserve neurons rather than merely increasing fluid.

Early treatment offers the best outcome

Although the study did not meet its primary endpoint across all participants, researchers said early-stage patients benefited the most. “Alzheimer’s is a complex, multi-stage disease, and outcomes depend on when treatment begins,” Dr. Abushakra explained.

“Patients at the mild dementia stage did not show meaningful improvement, but those treated early at the MCI stage experienced slower memory loss, stabilization of function, and protection from brain atrophy,” she added.

The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Alzheon plans to build on these results in future trials and regulatory discussions.

Safer and easier to use than current treatments

Experts who reviewed the study said the pill could become a safer option for patients who cannot tolerate current Alzheimer’s drugs.

Dr. Jasdeep S. Hundal, director of The Center for Memory & Healthy Aging in New Jersey, said the results offer cautious optimism. “The treatment did not show clear benefits for all early Alzheimer’s patients, but those with very early symptoms saw slower memory decline and less brain shrinkage,” he noted.

He added that ALZ-801 appeared safe, especially compared to other drugs that cause serious side effects in genetically high-risk patients.

Ongoing search for effective memory drugs

Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, emphasized the need for effective and accessible memory treatments. “We still need medications that are safe, affordable, and provide clinically meaningful results,” he said.

He added that while ALZ-801 reduced brain atrophy, it did not show significant cognitive improvement overall. Segil suggested applying modern imaging techniques from this study to assess whether existing Alzheimer’s drugs like Aricept or Namenda also offer similar structural benefits.

Looking ahead

Researchers agree that more work is needed before valiltramiprosate can be approved. However, its safety profile and targeted approach for genetically at-risk individuals represent a major step forward in Alzheimer’s treatment development.

This report was originally published by Medical News Today.

US, China talks sketch out rare earths, tariff pause

News Desk
-
0
US, China talks sketch out rare earths, tariff pause

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Senior U.S. and Chinese officials have outlined the framework of a potential trade deal that U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to review later this week. The draft agreement would suspend planned U.S. tariffs and delay China’s export controls on rare earth minerals, U.S. officials said on Sunday.

Trade framework averts tariff escalation

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the talks, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, removed the threat of Trump’s 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports set for November 1. He added that China is expected to postpone its licensing regime for rare earth minerals and magnets for one year while it reviews the policy.

Chinese officials offered few details, maintaining a cautious tone about the discussions. Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet on Thursday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, to finalize the terms.

Bessent said he believes the tariff truce with China will extend beyond its November 10 expiry date. He also predicted that Beijing will resume large-scale purchases of U.S. soybeans, a move that would please American farmers after China halted such imports in September.

Soybeans and rare earths at the heart of the deal

Bessent told ABC’s “This Week” that U.S. soybean producers will benefit both this season and in the coming years. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Fox News that both sides agreed to pause several punitive measures and found a pathway for greater access to Chinese rare earths while improving the U.S. trade balance.

China’s Vice Minister Li Chenggang said the two sides had reached a preliminary consensus. “The U.S. position has been tough, while China has defended its rights and interests,” he said through an interpreter. Li described the discussions as constructive and solution-oriented.

Trump signals optimism before APEC summit

Trump arrived in Malaysia on Sunday for the ASEAN Summit, the first leg of his five-day Asia tour, which will culminate in his face-to-face meeting with Xi. Speaking after the weekend negotiations, Trump said, “I think we’re going to have a deal with China.”

The U.S. had threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, retaliating against Beijing’s tightened export controls on rare earth minerals and magnets. China dominates over 90 percent of global rare earth supply, essential for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and missile systems.

Broader issues discussed: trade, fentanyl, TikTok

Officials confirmed that discussions also covered broader trade matters, including the U.S. fentanyl crisis, port entry fees, and the ongoing issue of transferring ownership of TikTok to American control.

Bessent told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that both sides are finalizing the TikTok arrangement to allow Trump and Xi to formalize it during their meeting in South Korea.

Political agenda: Taiwan, soybeans, and Hong Kong

On the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, Trump hinted at future meetings with Xi in both China and the United States. He said, “We’ve agreed to meet later in China, and then in Washington or Mar-a-Lago.”

Trump is expected to raise several key issues during the talks, including Taiwan, Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans, and the detention of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. Lai’s case has become a global symbol of China’s suppression of press freedom in Hong Kong.

Trump also said he plans to seek China’s cooperation in handling U.S. relations with Russia as the war in Ukraine continues.

Renewed tensions and fragile truce

Recent weeks have seen rising tensions between Washington and Beijing. A six-month trade truce reached in May and extended in August failed to prevent new sanctions, export curbs, and retaliatory threats from both sides.

China’s expanded rare earth export restrictions have disrupted global supply chains. The United States has reportedly considered countermeasures, including blocking exports of software and high-tech components to China.

The rare earth dispute and pending tariffs have placed the world’s two largest economies at a critical juncture as both leaders prepare for the Gyeongju summit.

This report was originally published by Reuters.

UN cybercrime treaty to be signed in Hanoi to tackle global offences

News Desk
-
0
UN cybercrime treaty to be signed in Hanoi to tackle global offences

HANOI, Oct 25 (Reuters) – A landmark United Nations cybercrime treaty, aimed at tackling digital offences that cost the global economy trillions of dollars every year, is set to be signed in Hanoi, Vietnam, over the weekend by around 60 countries.

The convention will take effect once ratified by 40 nations. It is designed to improve international cooperation in fighting cybercrime. However, several rights groups and technology firms have criticised the agreement, warning that it could lead to potential human rights abuses if implemented poorly.

Global threat drives the need for action

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said during the opening ceremony that cyberspace has become fertile ground for criminals. “Every day, sophisticated scams defraud families, steal livelihoods, and drain billions of dollars from our economies,” he said.

Guterres described the treaty as a powerful and legally binding instrument to strengthen collective defences against cybercrime. According to the UN, the convention covers a wide range of crimes such as phishing, ransomware, online trafficking, and hate speech. It highlights estimates showing cybercrime costs the global economy trillions of dollars annually.

Vietnam highlights global cooperation

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong said the signing marks not only the creation of a global legal framework but also the vitality of multilateralism. He said the convention shows that countries are overcoming differences and taking shared responsibility for peace, stability, and development.

For Vietnam, hosting the treaty is also an opportunity to enhance its global reputation and improve its own cyber defences amid increasing attacks on key infrastructure.

Rights concerns and criticism from tech groups

Despite widespread support, critics remain cautious about the treaty’s implications. The Cybersecurity Tech Accord, whose members include Meta and Microsoft, called it a “surveillance treaty.” The group warned that it might allow governments to share user data excessively and even criminalise ethical hackers who test systems for vulnerabilities.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which led the negotiations, said the treaty contains safeguards to protect human rights and supports legitimate cybersecurity research.

Western powers join signing amid controversy

Diplomats and officials from the European Union, the United States, and Canada are among those attending the signing ceremony in Hanoi. However, Vietnam’s role as host has drawn controversy.

The U.S. State Department recently voiced concerns about human rights conditions in Vietnam, including online censorship. Human Rights Watch reported that at least 40 people have been detained this year for expressing dissent on digital platforms.

Ferrari to launch crypto auction for Le Mans car with AI-generation focus

News Desk
-
0
Ferrari to launch crypto auction for Le Mans car with AI-generation focus

Wealth Pakistan International Desk
MILAN, Oct 26 (Reuters) — Ferrari is moving into the digital finance space with a new blockchain-based asset called the Token Ferrari 499P. The digital token will let selected members of Ferrari’s Hyperclub bid for its famous Le Mans-winning endurance car.

Combining luxury and technology

The initiative blends artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital finance. It targets younger, tech-minded investors who are shaping global innovation in data and AI. Ferrari said the plan reflects its long-term vision to combine technology with the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship and exclusivity.

The token is being developed with Italian fintech firm Conio. Access will be limited to Ferrari’s Hyperclub, a private community of around 100 loyal and high-net-worth clients who share a passion for endurance racing.

Private trading and car auctions

Members will be able to trade the tokens inside the network. They will also join special car auctions, including one for the 499P model that won three straight Le Mans titles.

Enrico Galliera, Ferrari’s chief marketing and commercial officer, said the goal is to strengthen ties with long-standing customers. He added that the project builds a sense of belonging among Ferrari’s most exclusive community.

Token launch in 2027

The Token Ferrari 499P will launch with the start of the 2027 World Endurance Championship season. It follows Ferrari’s earlier decision to accept cryptocurrency payments.

In 2023, Ferrari began taking Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC for car purchases in the United States. The service later expanded to Europe, showing how luxury brands are adopting blockchain-based payments.

Crypto market context

The timing coincides with a strong recovery in crypto markets. Bitcoin has climbed about 60 percent over the past year, supported by institutional investors and high-profile public figures.

Even so, regulators continue to warn about volatility and limited oversight. They have reminded investors that crypto assets remain speculative and subject to sharp price swings.

Davide Rallo, chief fintech strategist at Conio, who leads the Ferrari project, said the firm is applying for a licence under the EU’s new crypto rules. He described the growth potential as enormous.

Ferrari’s entry into blockchain reflects a wider trend among luxury carmakers exploring digital assets to create exclusivity and deeper engagement with their clients.

This report was originally published by Reuters.

1...192021...28Page 20 of 28