NEITHER WESTERN UNION
Western Union terminates Intermex deal after approval snag
Western Union has scrapped its agreement to acquire US-based money transfer firm Intermex for about $500 million after failing to secure regulatory approval from California. The company termed the state's final merger conditions unacceptable, saying they would have required material changes to its business model. Neither company will pay a termination fee.
No Fitch, Moody's or S&P, please: The Big 3 face a new challenge
The African Union established the Africa Credit Rating Agency to provide better assessments for African economies. This initiative aims to address global rating agencies' perceived biases and shortcomings. Credit ratings for African nations currently suffer from a significant information gap compared to other regions. The new agency could enhance local capital markets by focusing on domestic debt markets and investments.
There is neither Eastern Nagalim nor Western Nagalim; there is only Nagalim: NSCN-IM
In July this year there were claims that the outfit had suffered a split. The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) Eastern Flank has declared the formation of a provisional government until a full-fledged government is formed.
Hardeep Singh Puri out: 8 new faces in BJP’s UP Rajya Sabha list carry a 2027 message
BJP has nominated eight new leaders for the Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. This new slate emphasizes social and regional diversity within the party's representation. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri was notably excluded from the new nominations, raising questions about his future role. The BJP prepares for upcoming Assembly elections in both Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, which may influence future cabinet reshuffles.
A TV show on a detached piece of Russian land triggers nuke warning
Recent tensions have arisen between Russia and NATO regarding the strategic territory of Kaliningrad. This situation escalated following a fictional British TV war game that depicted potential military actions. Russia responded harshly, warning of possible nuclear actions if Kaliningrad faced isolation. NATO maintains that its planned exercises are purely defensive and not aimed at Russian territory.
Where Does China Fit in Your Company’s Innovation Strategy?
For decades, multinationals treated China primarily as either a vast growth market or a rising competitive threat. But as growth slows, competition intensifies, and operating conditions become more difficult, many firms are rethinking China’s role. Increasingly, they are using the country not just as a destination market but as a platform for accelerating innovation—leveraging its fast-moving regulatory environment, tightly integrated R&D and manufacturing ecosystems, and deep engineering talent pools to speed learning, validate technologies, and scale capabilities globally. Companies including Pfizer, Michelin, BMW, Bosch, and Nvidia illustrate how firms are using China to shorten innovation cycles while managing geopolitical and operational risks by defining China’s precise role within their global innovation system, designing for controlled knowledge-sharing, and avoiding overdependence through diversified R&D and supply chains.
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Pandas then, pandas now: Trump and Xi are well past Nixon-era magic
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping recently met in Washington to symbolize cooperation in US-China relations. The summit featured the announcement of two pandas to Zo Atlanta as a gesture of friendship. They extended a trade truce rather than resolving major economic disputes or tariffs. Despite strategic rivalry, both countries aim to maintain open channels for cooperation.

On the table or on the menu? A new power play begins at the UN
Partners for Multilateralism, or P4M, unites diverse nations to reform global institutions. This new grouping reflects a changing global mood and a desire for greater maneuverability. Countries seek more influence in a multipolar and contested international system. P4M offers an open framework for issue-based coalitions across different political traditions. It signifies a new mood where middle powers think beyond established alliances.

Germany's Merz struggles to stay on track after humiliating regional election defeat
Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces political pressure after electoral defeats. His party lost seats in state legislatures for the first time. The far-right Alternative for Germany party gained strength in one region. Merz vowed to continue pushing his reform agenda for Germany. Upcoming state elections will further test his leadership and party's standing.

EU opens door to ‘associate membership’ for Canada, but the concept does not yet exist
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed associate membership for Canada. This offer aims to forge a new partnership between the EU and Canada. While the concept is undefined, it signals a shift in international alliances. Canada welcomed the idea, focusing on concrete substance and mutual benefits. This development has drawn attention and potential trade responses from the United States.

Making a dollar detour: Why BRICS isn’t breaking up with the dollar
The latest BRICS declaration emphasizes interoperable payment systems and local currency settlement. It explicitly avoids proposing a common BRICS currency or linking central bank digital currencies. This approach acknowledges the impracticality of a unified currency due to diverse economic conditions. BRICS countries aim to reduce dollar dependence through enhanced payment choices and national currency use. The focus remains on practical cooperation rather than a monetary union.

EU to hit back at Russia after drone attack as Germany probes new sabotage cases
European Union members urged new sanctions against Russia after a drone attack. Germany blamed Moscow for the incident, calling it hybrid warfare. Two sabotage cases also occurred in Germany within twenty-four hours. Authorities are investigating vandalism at a substation and damaged power lines. These events coincide with upcoming elections and rising political tensions.

In 1984, two shuttle-deployed satellites became stranded when their rocket stages failed; months later, Discovery astronauts captured both and returned them to the shuttle
In 1984, a space shuttle mission retrieved two communication satellites left in the wrong orbit. Insurance underwriters funded this unusual recovery effort for the stranded satellites. Astronauts used specialized tools and jetpacks to capture the satellites in space. Discovery brought both satellites back to Earth safely after their orbital mishap. This mission demonstrated the shuttle's capability for valuable orbital salvage operations.

Putin visits 'dear friend' Xi in show of no-limits partnership
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip aims to highlight the strong partnership between the two countries. This is Putin's first official trip outside of the former Soviet Union since an arrest warrant was issued for him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March. However, neither China nor Kyrgyzstan, where Putin visited earlier this month, are members of the ICC. The meeting comes as Western countries criticize China's partnership with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

EU's Charles Michel says it is hard to predict if G20 can agree on summit declaration
European Council President Charles Michel has said that it is difficult to predict if leaders of the G20 can reach a consensus on a declaration at the G20 summit in New Delhi. Divisions over Russia's war in Ukraine may hinder progress on important issues such as food security, debt distress, and global cooperation on climate change. Michel stated that the European Union wants the G20 to focus on tackling global challenges to food and energy security.

Russia accuses US of accessing thousands of Apple iPhones in spy plot
The FSB, the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, said several thousand Apple phones, including domestic Russian subscribers, had been infected.

Bank of Baroda stops clearing payment for above-cap Russian oil
Some Indian refiners were paying in the United Arab Emirates dirham currency for Russian low-sulphur crude priced above the $60 a barrel cap using Bank of Baroda, mainly to Dubai-based traders. The state-run lender told refiners last month that it would not settle payment from Russian barrels bought above the price cap

US warns China against providing lethal aid for Russia's war in Ukraine
Western fears of China helping to arm Russia come as Moscow's forces struggle to make gains around key objectives in eastern Ukraine, and as Kyiv prepares a counter-offensive with advanced Western weapons including battle tanks. "Beijing will have to make its own decisions about how it proceeds, whether it provides military assistance - but if it goes down that road it will come at real costs to China," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union" programme.

Indian refiners becoming wary of buying Russian oil as EU sanctions loom: Sources
Reliance Industries Ltd, operator of the world's biggest refining complex and a major customer for Russia, has not placed orders yet for Russian cargoes loading after Dec. 5, two sources familiar the refiner's purchase plans told Reuters.

Agriculture Minister says govt ready to talk with farmer unions; asks them to share objection on farm laws
Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at Delhi's borders for more than six months in protest against the three laws that they say will end state procurement of crops at MSP.

Joe Biden to join meeting of NATO's eastern members by video
The presidents gathering represent the so-called Bucharest Nine, a group of the easternmost members of the Western military alliance. Most of them share a concern about Russia's attempts to reassert its influence over their region, their anxieties growing after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi should quit if he can't repeal farm laws, says Congress
"People have elected this government and not the Supreme Court. Then why does the government want people to go to elsewhere?" Surjewala asked.
Rugby-Rebels refuse to discuss Super Rugby changes with ARU
RUGBY-UNION-SUPER/AUSTRALIA:Rugby-Rebels refuse to discuss Super Rugby changes with ARU
Budget 2012 exempts Iranian oil payments from income tax
Union Budget 2012 has exempted the payments made for crude oil purchased from the Persian Gulf nation, from any local tax.
No evidence to name any country in Delhi car blast: Government
Union home secretary R K Singh said there was no evidence till now to suggest involvement of any country in the bomb attack on an Israeli diplomat here.
Looking for companies in Western mkts for acquisition: Ganesh Natarajan, Zensar Technologies
In an interview with ET Now, Ganesh Natarajan, Dy Chairman & MD, Zensar Technologies, talks about budget growth, acquisition plans and consolidation in the mid-cap IT space.
Aung San Suu Kyi
Myanmar’S pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi finally walks free.
Putin for workers wage control amid fears of losing to India
Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin underlined the need urged for "careful balance and taking restrictive measures" against business.
A month on, Georgia crisis becomes US-Russia struggle: analysts
Analysts say - "The world changed after August 8 this year" , today no nation on the earth is in a position to dismiss out of hand.
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