BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
Nepal seeks better BRI terms as ruling party MPs visit China
Nepal is dispatching a group of MPs to China to negotiate potential advantages from the Belt and Road Initiative. Prime Minister Balen Shah emphasized negotiating with assurance and encouraged the MPs to meticulously examine how Nepal can benefit from Chinese projects. The talks are anticipated to cover concerns regarding financing and implementation, as the government remains vigilant about risks associated with BRI involvement.
From tyres to footwear: How Brisil is finding new uses for rice husk ash
Rice husk ash is often treated as industrial waste. Vadodara-based Brisil converts it into green silica—a material used in tyres, footwear, paints, toothpaste, and rubber products, offering industries a lower-carbon alternative to silica made from mined sand and quartz.
China’s high-tech ports push raises global trade ambitions, sparks security concerns
China is expanding its global maritime influence through AI-powered automated ports, smart shipping technologies and digital infrastructure. While these innovations promise greater efficiency, Western governments fear growing dependence on Chinese systems could create security vulnerabilities, geopolitical leverage and risks to critical global supply chains and international trade networks
Pakistani astronaut to join China space station's Shenzhou-24 mission
A Pakistani astronaut is set to join the Shenzhou-24 mission as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This mission marks a significant milestone, being the first joint spaceflight involving foreign astronauts. While the astronaut's identity has not been disclosed, training took place in Beijing. After a brief in-orbit flight, the astronaut will return aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft. This collaboration highlights China's expanding presence in space diplomacy.
South Eastern Coalfields files DRHP with SEBI for IPO; Coal India to offload 66.8 crore shares
Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields has filed its draft papers with SEBI for an IPO comprising an offer for sale of up to 66.81 crore shares. One of India’s largest coal producers, SECL reported higher revenue and profit and plans to list on the BSE and NSE.
Arunachal Pradesh faces protests over 11,000-MW Siang dam, 1,605-MW Subansiri project
Protests erupted in Arunachal Pradesh over proposed hydropower projects, causing violent clashes and significant unrest. People oppose the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and the Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, voicing concerns over environmental damage. Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the need for careful assessment of the projects before proceeding. The proposed developments are linked to fears of water security due to China's dam projects upstream.

As the US and China form AI blocs, countries are increasingly torn between them
Countries like Kazakhstan are trying to balance between U.S. and China AI initiatives for technological gains. Indonesia has expressed interest in benefiting from both AI superpowers while pursuing its technological agenda. Some nations are exploring relationships with both blocs without fully committing to either. China's investments in developing countries are increasing, enhancing their own AI capabilities.

Siang project not just hydropower, vital for national security: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu said that the Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project should not be viewed merely through the prism of a conventional hydropower project, but as a national project with wider strategic and security implications.

Adani outlines road map for big Bengal push, says East must rise for Viksit Bharat to be a reality
Gautam Adani spotlighted West Bengal's pivotal role in enhancing India's economic power, citing its strategic location and other key strengths. He unveiled ambitious plans for investments surpassing Rs 1 lakh crore across diverse sectors in the state over the next ten years.

Global Market: China broadens Yuan FX clearing in push for global currency use
China has expanded yuan foreign-exchange clearing to include the Singapore dollar, New Zealand dollar and Thai baht, as Beijing seeks to widen the currency’s international use. The move strengthens clearing infrastructure for yuan transactions, supports greater liquidity and facilitates direct trading and settlement with a broader range of global partners.

China revamping Belt and Road Initiative: Report
China has shifted its attention to reducing the risk of not being repaid, its exposure to environmental, social, or governance (ESG) factors, and potential damage to its reputation in the developing world, the report from AidData, a research lab at William & Mary, found.

Sri Lanka assures China of continued active participation in Belt and Road Initiative
Wickremesinghe visited China from October 16 to 20 to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping. "Sri Lanka reiterated it will continue to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China," according to the joint statement issued on Friday. Cash-strapped Sri Lanka has a total foreign debt of USD 46.9 billion, 52 per cent of which is owed to China, its largest lender.

How China's Belt and Road Initiative is changing after a decade of big projects and big debts
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is set to become smaller and greener following concerns over debt and the environment. The initiative, which involved building power plants, roads, railroads, and ports worldwide, has deepened China's global relations but raised environmental concerns and left countries in debt.

What is China's Belt and Road Initiative?
A decade since its launch, the Belt and Road Initiative has yet to entice significant Western engagement.

China says 90 countries have confirmed attendance for Belt and Road Initiative
China has announced that 90 countries have confirmed attendance for its Belt and Road Initiative conference in October. The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held in Beijing and is expected to attract several foreign leaders, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Argentine President Alberto Fernandez.

India signals to boycott China's Belt and Road Forum for second time
New Delhi did not attend the launch of the Belt and Road forum in 2017, saying CPEC violates its territorial sovereignty.

Myanmar to trim Chinese loans to avoid debt trap
The Myanmar govt has stated that it won't provide sovereign guarantees for loans and will require a third-party audit on spending.

India has imposed certain redlines on China's BRI: Expert
India skipped the BRF in May last year due to its sovereignty concerns over the CPEC, a flagship project of Silk Road project, officially called OBOR.

Belt and Road Initiative much more than infra partnership with China: Pakistan PM
China's massive project seeks to build rail, maritime and road links from Asia to Europe and Africa in a revival of ancient Silk Road trading routes.
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