Uzbekistan raises electric vehicle recycling fees by 300%
Uzbekistan’s sharp increase in recycling fees for imported electric vehicles signals a shift toward local production and battery recycling, but consumers and dealers are feeling the strain.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
The new railway, which runs through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, is designed to provide a more direct and reliable connection to European markets — bypassing Russian territory entirely. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the traditional overland route through Russia has become less dependable due to sanctions, higher insurance costs, and mounting safety concerns. As a result, many European companies have turned away from it.
Now, freight is being routed through Kazakhstan to the Caspian Sea, and from there via Azerbaijan and Turkiye — a path known as the “Middle Corridor.” The railway under construction aims to enhance this corridor by shortening the route and boosting efficiency. Spanning 520 kilometers, the new line is supported by a $2.35 billion loan from China to Kyrgyzstan to fund its development.
While this alternative route is still more expensive and slower than the Russian path, recent upgrades have significantly reduced travel times — from over 50 days to just under 23. For comparison, shipping goods by sea typically takes around a month. Despite these challenges, rail trade between China and Europe has grown dramatically — from $8 billion in 2016 to $57 billion in 2023.
The importance of the Middle Corridor has increased even further following Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which have intensified concerns over the security of sea-based trade.
Although China continues to maintain strong trade ties with Russia — especially for energy and raw materials — it is actively seeking faster and safer export routes to Europe. Both China and the European Union are looking to bypass Russia, though each has its own strategic motivations for doing so.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
President Donald Trump is set to begin his Middle East tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The trip aims to boost trade and investment, with a focus on energy, defense, and technology deals, including a $1 trillion commitment from Saudi Arabia.
From May 13–24, the 78th Cannes Film Festival brings together veteran auteurs like Wes Anderson and breakout talents such as Ari Aster, alongside Hollywood heavyweights—from Tom Cruise to Emma Stone—on a red carpet primed for glamour and cinematic competition.
Qatar has denied reports of gifting a luxury jet to President Trump for use as Air Force One, stating the matter is still under legal review with no final decision made.
Hamas has released a hostage, identified as Alexander, in what it described as a goodwill gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump. The confirmation came late Sunday from Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in a message to the Associated Press.
U.S. and Chinese officials reported "substantial progress" in tariff negotiations held in Geneva, though specific details remain scarce. A joint statement is expected to be released on Monday.
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