China has escalated its pricing dispute with BHP Group by instructing domestic steel mills and trading firms to suspend all new purchases of the Australian mining giant’s iron ore cargoes. This move, reported by Bloomberg on Monday, has sent ripples through global commodity markets and intensified pressure on Australia’s mining industry. The directive was issued by China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG), a state-owned entity established in July 2022 to centralize iron ore imports. CMRG has urged major Chinese steelmakers and traders to halt purchases of BHP’s dollar-denominated seaborne iron ore, effectively freezing new contracts and impacting shipments already en route from Australian ports. Only a limited volume of BHP cargoes already in China remains tradable. The decision follows a series of failed negotiations between Chinese and Australian representatives last week, with neither CMRG nor BHP providing public comments. The impasse stems from disagreements over pricing models, with BHP advocating for an annual pricing system tied to the 2024 Platts average ($109.50 per metric ton), while Chinese buyers pushed for quarterly terms linked to lower spot prices. Since September, CMRG has already advised domestic steelmakers to cease purchasing BHP’s high-grade Jimblebar fines due to stalled long-term contract talks. This has led Chinese buyers to explore alternative sources, including Brazil and Guinea’s Simandou region, where Chinese investments are expected to yield significant iron ore production starting this November. Analysts argue that China’s reliance on Australian iron ore, which accounts for 40% of its imports, has left it vulnerable in pricing negotiations. The Simandou project, once fully operational, is projected to supply 120 million tonnes annually, reducing China’s dependence on Australian sources. The dispute underscores broader concerns about pricing power and transparency in global iron ore markets, with Chinese media criticizing the influence of Western capital in shaping Platts benchmarks. The situation also recalls the 2009 case of Stern Hu, a former Rio Tinto executive accused of spying on China’s steel industry, which reportedly weakened China’s bargaining position in past negotiations.
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US government shuts down with path to reopening uncertain
The United States government has entered its first shutdown in nearly seven years, as Congress failed to reach a consensus on a critical funding bill. The impasse has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers facing furloughs or layoffs, while national parks, museums, and essential services risk closure. The shutdown could also disrupt air travel due to staff shortages, echoing the consequences of previous government closures.
The stalemate stems from a bitter partisan divide over healthcare spending, with Democrats insisting on extending health insurance subsidies set to expire at year-end, while many Republicans oppose the costly measures or demand stricter eligibility rules. Despite frenetic negotiations, a Republican-led short-term funding bill fell short of the required 60 Senate votes, with a Democrat-led proposal also failing to pass.
President Donald Trump has escalated tensions by threatening mass firings of federal employees and cuts to programs he claims are favored by Democrats. ‘A lot of good can come from shutdowns,’ Trump remarked, suggesting the crisis could be an opportunity to eliminate policies opposed by his administration. However, the White House has hinted at permanent layoffs for ‘non-essential’ workers if the shutdown persists.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and top Democrat Chuck Schumer have traded blame, with Schumer accusing Republicans of ‘bullying’ tactics. The shutdown highlights the unique challenges of U.S. governance, where spending plans require bipartisan agreement across the legislative and executive branches. Analysts predict this shutdown could surpass the 2018 crisis, potentially affecting over 800,000 federal workers.
The path forward remains uncertain, with both parties entrenched in their positions. As the standoff continues, the economic and social repercussions of the shutdown are expected to deepen, leaving federal employees and the public in limbo.
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Scot murdered in LA had sought restraining order against accused
June Bunyan, a 37-year-old Scottish woman who moved to Los Angeles to pursue a legal career, was found dead on September 11, suffering from traumatic neck injuries. Her boyfriend, Jonathan Renteria, 25, has been charged with her murder, as well as mutilation, disinterment, and sexual contact with human remains. Renteria has pleaded not guilty, with bail set at $4 million (£2.97 million). The couple, who had a young child together, had a tumultuous relationship marked by allegations of domestic violence. In December 2023, Bunyan applied for a restraining order against Renteria, citing threats to ruin her life and wishes for her death. However, the case was dropped in January 2024 after Bunyan failed to appear in court, reportedly due to reconciliation with Renteria. Bunyan, originally from the Isle of Arran, graduated from Robert Gordon University in 2022 and moved to America in 2023, where she established Renteria Paralegal Services, specializing in immigration law. Friends and neighbors described her as a driven and kind individual who loved America and dreamed of becoming a US citizen. A GoFundMe campaign organized by her friend in the UK has raised nearly £17,000 to repatriate her remains. A preliminary hearing for Renteria is scheduled for November 18.
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Italy PM tells Gaza aid flotilla to stop or risk ‘preventing peace’
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed cautious optimism regarding a new US proposal aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas conflict, while simultaneously urging the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) to halt its mission to deliver aid to Gaza. Meloni warned that the flotilla’s attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade could disrupt the fragile peace process. The flotilla, comprising over 40 boats and 500 individuals, including Italian politicians and Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, has been accompanied by an Italian naval frigate. However, the frigate is set to withdraw once the flotilla reaches 150 nautical miles from Gaza’s shoreline. Meloni emphasized that the US plan offers a glimmer of hope but remains vulnerable to sabotage. She urged the flotilla to redirect its aid to Cyprus to avoid escalating tensions. Israel has instructed the flotilla to deliver aid to an Israeli port instead, labeling the mission as a Hamas operation without providing evidence. The flotilla, now on high alert due to increasing drone activity, has vowed to continue its mission despite warnings. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto have expressed concerns over the safety of the flotilla, following reports of drone attacks and communications jamming. The US peace plan proposes an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and the exchange of detained Gazans, aiming to de-escalate the conflict.
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Trump pulls pick to lead US jobs data agency
In a surprising turn of events, former US President Donald Trump has retracted his nomination of conservative economist EJ Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This decision follows Trump’s abrupt dismissal of former BLS commissioner Erika McEntarfer in August, which occurred mid-term after a disappointing jobs report sparked concerns about the US economy. While Antoni’s nomination was lauded by conservative circles, it faced criticism from independent economists who questioned his qualifications and warned of potential damage to the BLS’s credibility. The White House has not provided a specific reason for the withdrawal but confirmed that Trump intends to propose a new candidate soon. A White House official described Antoni as a ‘brilliant economist and American patriot’ who will continue contributing to the nation’s economic discourse. Trump has long criticized the BLS, accusing it of manipulating employment data to undermine his administration. The August jobs report, which revealed only 73,000 new jobs—far below the projected 109,000—further fueled his discontent. Antoni, an economist at the Heritage Foundation, has been a vocal critic of the BLS, labeling its data as ‘phoney baloney.’ Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts defended Antoni, calling him ‘one of the sharpest economic minds in the country’ and emphasizing the need for BLS reform. The US Senate, currently controlled by Republicans, will be responsible for confirming the next nominee.
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No more scribbling: Indian court tells doctors to fix their handwriting
The Punjab and Haryana High Court in India has issued a landmark ruling emphasizing the critical importance of legible handwriting in medical prescriptions, declaring it a “fundamental right” that can mean the difference between life and death. This decision came during a case unrelated to handwriting, involving allegations of rape, cheating, and forgery. Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri, while reviewing a medico-legal report, expressed shock at the illegibility of the doctor’s handwriting, stating it “shook the conscience of the court.” The court has mandated that all doctors write prescriptions clearly in capital letters and has called for the integration of handwriting lessons into medical school curricula. Additionally, a two-year timeline has been set for the implementation of digitized prescriptions. While urban areas have largely transitioned to digital prescriptions, rural regions still face challenges. Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, president of the Indian Medical Association, acknowledged the issue, attributing poor handwriting to the overwhelming workload in overcrowded government hospitals. He urged doctors to adhere to guidelines ensuring prescriptions are readable. This is not the first time Indian courts have addressed the issue; previous rulings in Odisha and Allahabad have also criticized doctors’ handwriting. Studies have not conclusively proven that doctors’ handwriting is worse than others, but experts stress that ambiguous prescriptions can lead to severe, even fatal, consequences. A 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine highlighted that medical errors, including those caused by illegible handwriting, resulted in an estimated 44,000 preventable deaths annually in the U.S. In India, similar incidents have led to health emergencies and fatalities. Pharmacists continue to receive poorly written prescriptions, particularly in rural areas, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
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Australia sunscreen scandal grows as more products pulled off shelves
A growing sunscreen scandal in Australia, the world’s largest skin cancer hotspot, has escalated with 18 products now withdrawn from shelves due to safety concerns. The issue came to light in June when a consumer advocacy group revealed that several popular and high-priced sunscreens failed to deliver the protection levels advertised by their manufacturers. One such product, Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen, marketed as SPF 50+, was found to offer only SPF 4 and was voluntarily recalled last month. Further investigations by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have identified around 20 additional sunscreens from various brands that share a problematic base formula, raising serious doubts about the integrity of a US-based testing laboratory, Princeton Consumer Research Corp (PCR Corp). The TGA’s preliminary testing suggests that the base formula may not exceed SPF 21, with some products potentially as low as SPF 4. Wild Child Laboratories Pty Ltd, the manufacturer of the base formula, has ceased production. Of the 21 products flagged by the TGA, eight have been recalled or halted, ten have paused sales, and two are under review. One product, though made in Australia, is not sold domestically. The scandal has sparked significant consumer outrage in Australia, with experts warning of potential global repercussions. The TGA is now scrutinizing SPF testing standards, which it describes as ‘highly subjective,’ and has expressed concerns about PCR Corp’s testing practices. The BBC has reached out to PCR Corp and Wild Child Laboratories for comment. Australia, which has the highest skin cancer rates globally, enforces some of the strictest sunscreen regulations worldwide.
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Anne visits Ukraine to support children ‘traumatised’ by war
In a poignant display of solidarity, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, accompanied Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, to a memorial in Kyiv dedicated to children who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The visit, which took place on Tuesday, saw the royal leave a soft toy bear at the shrine, symbolizing a tribute to the young victims of the war. Buckingham Palace described the trip as an effort to shed light on the ‘traumatic experiences of children living on the frontline of the conflict.’
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Emily Blunt among Hollywood stars outraged over ‘AI actor’ Tilly Norwood
The emergence of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated ‘actor,’ has sparked intense debate in Hollywood, with industry heavyweights like Emily Blunt, Natasha Lyonne, and Whoopi Goldberg voicing strong opposition. Created by Dutch actor and comedian Eline Van der Velden, Norwood has been marketed as a synthetic performer with ‘girl next door vibes,’ complete with an Instagram page showcasing AI-generated comedy sketches and faux film tests. However, Hollywood’s Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has condemned the creation, stating that Norwood lacks the life experience, emotion, and human connection essential to acting. The union warned that using AI actors like Norwood could undermine the contractual protections secured after the 2023 Hollywood strikes, which were partly driven by concerns over AI’s impact on the industry. Van der Velden defended her creation as a ‘piece of art’ rather than a replacement for human actors, urging critics to judge AI performers within their own genre. Despite this, A-list stars remain unconvinced. Emily Blunt described Norwood as ‘terrifying,’ while Natasha Lyonne called for a boycott of any talent agency working with AI actors. Whoopi Goldberg, meanwhile, expressed skepticism that AI could replicate the nuances of human performance. As Hollywood grapples with the ethical and artistic implications of AI, the debate over Tilly Norwood highlights the ongoing tension between technological innovation and the preservation of human artistry.
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European leaders meet in high-security Danish summit after drone disruption
Denmark has significantly heightened security measures in Copenhagen as European Union leaders convene for a critical summit on Wednesday. The move comes in response to escalating tensions following a series of Russian incursions into EU airspace and recent drone attacks targeting Danish airports. These incidents have particularly alarmed Eastern European nations such as Poland and Estonia, prompting ten EU member states to endorse a multi-layered ‘drone wall’ initiative aimed at detecting, tracking, and neutralizing Russian drones.