China using its supply chain dominance as coercive tool

IANS | January 2, 2026 9:17 PM

Yangon, Jan 2 (IANS) China is using its supply chains and dominant control over rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals as a lever to gain asymmetric leverage over global industrial networks, according to an article in Mekong News.

Centre rolls out two key finance schemes to boost MSME exports

IANS | January 2, 2026 8:00 PM

New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS) As part of the initial rollout of the Export Promotion Mission, two key interventions under the Niryat Protsahan sub-scheme have been launched to strengthen MSME exports by providing affordable and easier access to trade finance, the Commerce Ministry said on Friday.

'US plan to invest in Reko Diq mines overlooks violations of human rights in Balochistan'

IANS | January 2, 2026 6:58 PM

New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS) The US government’s recent announcement of a $1.25 billion financial package for extracting copper and gold from the Reko Diq mining project in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province was seen by state officials as a sign of international confidence in investing in the country. However, for the Baloch population, it feels like yet another moment when the world chooses minerals over human lives, according to an article in EU Today.