U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order promoting the use of plastic drinking straws, reversing policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics. The move comes as several countries enforce bans on non-biodegradable plastics.
The new order, signed on Monday, encourages federal agencies and consumers to purchase plastic straws, undoing a Biden-era initiative to phase out all single-use plastics on federal lands by 2032.
Trump’s policy shift contradicts a global trend of plastic bans, following the United Nations' 2018 call for a worldwide cleanup of plastic pollution. Multiple countries have since restricted or banned single-use plastics, citing environmental damage and food contamination risks.
Among the nations enforcing bans:
Nigeria (2024) – Nationwide ban expanded from government offices.
India (2022) – Prohibited plastic straws, cups, and cigarette packs.
France (2021) – Banned plastic straws, cups, and cutlery.
England (2020) – Banned plastic straws and stirrers.
Kenya (2020) – Extended restrictions to include plastic straws.
China (2020) – Announced a phased ban on single-use plastics.
Several U.S. cities, including Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York, had already introduced restrictions on plastic straws before the federal reversal.
Environmental advocates warn that Trump's policy may increase plastic waste, while supporters argue it protects consumer choice and business interests.
The M23 rebel group intensified its offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday, pushing closer to the territorial capital of Walikale, according to local media reports.
Apple’s iPhone, along with other foreign-branded smartphones, saw a sharp 21% decline in shipments in China this January. Economic shifts and rising competition from local brands are reshaping the market, putting pressure on international players like Apple.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has sued the Indian government over the approval of commercial flights from Hindon Airbase, 30 km from the capital's airport. DIAL argues it violates aviation regulations and threatens financial viability, seeking to overturn the decision.
Reliance Jio will offer free IPL streaming to users recharging with ₹299 or more. The matches can be streamed on the new JioHotstar platform. The plan also includes a 50-day trial of Jio's broadband services, aiming to boost home internet dominance.
A hard-right candidate is projected to win the first round of Romania’s presidential election rerun in May, a survey shows. However, centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan is expected to prevail in the final round, keeping Romania on its pro-European course despite rising nationalist rhetoric.
The M23 rebel group intensified its offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday, pushing closer to the territorial capital of Walikale, according to local media reports.
President Donald Trump has expressed his gratitude to El Salvador after the country's president, Nayib Bukele, shared dramatic footage of hundreds of alleged migrant criminals arriving in Central America after being deported from the U.S. on Sunday.
India and New Zealand have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost defence cooperation, enhancing bilateral ties through joint exercises, training, and a roadmap for collaboration in the defence industry.
The inside of a Herculaneum delicate & ancient scroll, unseen for nearly 2,000 years, has been revealed using Artificial Intelligence.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
President Donald Trump has vowed to respond to the European Union's counter-tariffs, escalating tensions over the U.S. steel and aluminum duties that have sparked a trade dispute between the two economic powers.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
BioNTech forecasts a revenue decline for 2025, expecting between 1.7 billion and 2.2 billion euros, down from 2.75 billion euros last year. This drop is due to Pfizer write-downs and stable vaccination rates. BioNTech also plans significant job cuts and new hires.
A hard-right candidate is projected to win the first round of Romania’s presidential election rerun in May, a survey shows. However, centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan is expected to prevail in the final round, keeping Romania on its pro-European course despite rising nationalist rhetoric.
The M23 rebel group intensified its offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday, pushing closer to the territorial capital of Walikale, according to local media reports.
President Donald Trump has expressed his gratitude to El Salvador after the country's president, Nayib Bukele, shared dramatic footage of hundreds of alleged migrant criminals arriving in Central America after being deported from the U.S. on Sunday.
India and New Zealand have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost defence cooperation, enhancing bilateral ties through joint exercises, training, and a roadmap for collaboration in the defence industry.
Intel’s incoming CEO Lip-Bu Tan is reportedly planning a comprehensive restructuring of the company’s manufacturing processes and artificial intelligence strategies—a bold move aimed at reviving the tech giant’s fortunes, according to two people familiar with his plans.
A hard-right candidate is projected to win the first round of Romania’s presidential election rerun in May, a survey shows. However, centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan is expected to prevail in the final round, keeping Romania on its pro-European course despite rising nationalist rhetoric.
The M23 rebel group intensified its offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday, pushing closer to the territorial capital of Walikale, according to local media reports.
President Donald Trump has expressed his gratitude to El Salvador after the country's president, Nayib Bukele, shared dramatic footage of hundreds of alleged migrant criminals arriving in Central America after being deported from the U.S. on Sunday.
India and New Zealand have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost defence cooperation, enhancing bilateral ties through joint exercises, training, and a roadmap for collaboration in the defence industry.
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