Industry Policy
U.S. Department of Defense Becomes Largest Shareholder of MP Materials, Accelerating Domestic Rare Earth Supply Chain
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has taken a historic step by acquiring a 15% stake in MP Materials through a $400 million preferred stock purchase, making it the largest shareholder of the U.S.-based rare earth producer . This move aims to address critical national security vulnerabilities by reducing reliance on foreign (particularly Chinese) rare earth supplies, which are essential for advanced military systems, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies.
StackSocial Offers Windows 11 Pro Lifetime License for $9.97 Ahead of Windows 10 Support End
Online marketplace StackSocial is currently running a limited-time promotion, offering lifetime license keys for Microsoft Windows 11 Pro at a heavily discounted price of $9.97—down from the original $199. The deal is set to expire on July 20 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time, making it a time-sensitive opportunity for users looking to upgrade their operating systems.
Brazilian Retail Rebounds in May: Street Commerce Drives Recovery, Holidays and Climate Play Pivotal Roles
SAO PAULO, Brazil, June 25 (News Wire) – Brazil's retail sector staged a recovery in May, with foot traffic at physical stores rising 1.86% year-on-year, marking a significant turnaround from April's 3.99% decline. This rebound was primarily fueled by a robust 3.8% surge in street commerce, according to Seed Digital's Retail Purchase Intent Index (IICV Seed).
Porto: A Wine - Lover's Paradise in Portugal
Porto, the second - largest city in Portugal, is renowned as a prominent wine - producing region. Its unique climate, with scarce rainfall as reflected in the local saying "Water is more expensive than wine in Porto", contributes to the distinctiveness of its wines. This city offers a wine - tasting experience like no other, attracting enthusiasts from across the globe.
Portugal: A Global Heavyweight in Mold Manufacturing
Portugal has firmly established itself as one of the world’s leading mold producers, ranking eighth globally in mold supply. The country’s prowess in precision engineering and industrial innovation has made its mold manufacturing sector a cornerstone of excellence, catering to some of the most renowned multinational corporations across various industries.
Portugal Leads in Renewable Energy with World's Largest Urban PV Project
Portugal is making remarkable strides in renewable energy. It houses the world's largest urban photovoltaic power project, a significant milestone in the global shift towards clean energy. This project not only showcases Portugal's commitment to sustainability but also sets a high standard for other countries to follow.
Redefining Banking Interactions: India's Open - Counter Approach
In contrast to the traditional banking model seen in many parts of the world, Indian banks are embracing a distinctive and customer - friendly setup. Departing from the norm of glass - partitioned counters with speaker - mediated communication, Indian financial institutions are opting for a more open and accessible environment.
Russia: The World's Leading Grain Exporter
In recent years, Russia has firmly established itself as the world's largest grain exporter, a remarkable achievement for this traditional agricultural powerhouse. The country's agricultural prowess has deep historical roots. Prior to the October Revolution, around 82% of the Russian population was engaged in agriculture, with agricultural output accounting for 57% of the total industrial and agricultural output.
US Leads the World in Nuclear Power Generation
The United States has long been the global leader in nuclear power generation. In 2019, its nuclear power generation reached a staggering 809.4 TWh, a figure that dwarfs that of other countries. This achievement places the US at the forefront of the global nuclear energy sector, contributing over 30% to the world's total nuclear power generation.
Japanese Companies Dominate AI Patent Application Ranking in WIPO Report
The World Intellectual Property Organization's "WIPO Technology Trends 2019: Artificial Intelligence" has ranked the world's top institutions in terms of AI patent filings. Among the top 20 organizations with the most patent applications, a staggering 12 are Japanese companies. This dominance showcases Japan's significant investment and innovation drive in the AI space.
UK's Academic and Biopharmaceutical Powerhouses Shaping Global Landscapes
The United Kingdom stands as a global hub of academic excellence and biopharmaceutical innovation, boasting world - renowned institutions and industry giants. With prestigious establishments like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge leading the research front, and pharmaceutical powerhouses such as AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline driving medical advancements, the UK has firmly secured its place at the forefront of global knowledge and healthcare.
U.S. House Approves Two Crypto Bills to Boost Legitimacy
On July 17, the U.S. House passed two key crypto bills, marking the first major step toward formal industry regulations. The moves aim to legalize digital assets and pave their way to mainstream financial status.
Canada's Soaring Prowess in Drone Technology Surpasses Global Peers
Canada has emerged as a dominant force in the global drone technology arena, particularly excelling in commercial and scientific research applications. Outshining even technological powerhouse the United States in certain aspects, the nation's expertise has redefined industry standards, driving innovation and practical implementation of drone technology worldwide.
Unprecedented Layoffs in the US Healthcare System: A Double-Edged Sword
On April 1, 2025, April Fool's Day, a chill with the smell of rust lingered in the morning fog of Washington. In front of the glass curtain wall of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), thousands of employees lined up in a long queue, each holding a cardboard box. The dismissal notice emails shone with a blinding light, slicing open the first wound in the global public health system like a sharp blade.
US Manufacturing Sector Faces Gloomy Outlook as ISM Index Plunges
The US manufacturing sector witnessed a significant setback in April, with the ISM manufacturing index registering its sharpest decline since November. Data released by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) on Thursday showed that the manufacturing index dropped 0.3 points to 48.7, below the 50 - point threshold that separates expansion from contraction, indicating an overall shrinking manufacturing sector.