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Schaeffler and Neura Robotics Team Up on Humanoid Component Development

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 4, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Schaeffler AG is⁤ partnering with Neura Robotics to jointly develop and supply humanoid robots for industrial applications, ‍the companies announced Tuesday. The collaboration aims to integrate Schaeffler’s expertise ‌in precision ⁣mechanics, robotics, ‌and automation with Neura Robotics’ advancements in humanoid robotics technology.

The partnership addresses a growing demand‍ for flexible automation solutions in manufacturing and logistics, particularly as labor shortages intensify and companies seek to enhance productivity. Schaeffler will‍ contribute ⁣key components and systems, while neura Robotics will ‍focus on the ⁣robots’ software and overall⁣ integration. The initial focus will be on developing ‍robots capable of performing ⁣tasks in environments where automation is currently challenging or uneconomical, with plans⁢ for ⁤broader deployment across various industries.

Schaeffler will hold a minority stake in Neura Robotics as part of the agreement,solidifying a long-term commitment to ⁤the venture. The companies anticipate the first jointly developed robots⁤ will be available for⁢ pilot projects in 2024, with ⁢series production slated for 2025. Neura Robotics,‌ founded in 2019, has already developed the “mesa” humanoid robot,‌ designed for diverse industrial tasks.

November 4, 2025 0 comments

Business

Asia-Pacific leaders call for shared trade benefits as APEC summit wraps up

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 2, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

San Francisco -‌ Asia-Pacific leaders concluded the⁤ APEC summit Friday with a joint call for trade policies that deliver shared ⁤prosperity across the region, amid growing concerns over protectionism and geopolitical tensions. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, fair, and open trade environment, emphasizing the⁤ need to ensure the benefits of globalization are more widely⁢ distributed.

The annual APEC gathering, held this year in San Francisco, comes at a critical juncture as the region navigates a complex landscape of slowing global growth, ⁣rising inflation, and increasing fragmentation of ⁣supply chains. The push for ⁤inclusive trade is aimed at addressing widening economic disparities and fostering greater resilience in the face of future shocks, with leaders signaling intent to build on existing frameworks and explore new avenues for cooperation.

Leaders from the 21 APEC economies issued a declaration outlining⁢ priorities including advancing digital innovation, promoting sustainable growth, and strengthening regional connectivity. U.S. ⁢president Joe Biden, ‌hosting the summit, highlighted ‌the importance of ⁤investing in infrastructure and clean energy transitions ‌to drive long-term economic‍ development.

“We recognize ⁢the importance of trade and investment in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for all,” said a statement released by the APEC secretariat. “We ⁤are committed to working together to ensure ‍that trade benefits are shared more broadly and that no one is left behind.”

Discussions also focused on bolstering supply chain resilience, a key concern following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic ⁣and geopolitical events. Leaders agreed‌ to enhance information sharing and coordination to mitigate ‌future vulnerabilities and promote ⁣diversification of supply sources.

The summit saw the launch of several new initiatives,including a framework for cooperation on clean energy and a digital trade network aimed at facilitating cross-border data flows. These ‍efforts reflect⁣ a growing ‍recognition of the need to address emerging challenges and harness the potential of new technologies to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.

Notably, the APEC Business Advisory‍ Council⁣ (ABAC) presented recommendations to leaders on streamlining trade⁢ procedures, ‍reducing non-tariff barriers, and promoting regulatory coherence.ABAC chair, Phil O’Reilly, emphasized the importance ⁤of translating commitments into concrete actions. “APEC has a unique opportunity to shape the future of trade and investment in the region,” O’Reilly⁢ stated. ⁣”It is crucial that leaders follow through on‌ their pledges⁢ and deliver tangible benefits for businesses and citizens alike.”

November 2, 2025 0 comments

Business

Title: Angola Shifts to Local Funding Amid Rising Debt Payments

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 1, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Angola is⁢ increasingly reliant on domestic ⁢debt markets as servicing its ⁣external obligations consumes nearly ⁣half of its projected 2026 budget, signaling growing fiscal strain for the oil-rich African nation. The government in Luanda is turning to local investors to finance its spending, a move that risks crowding⁣ out private ‍sector investment and⁤ possibly fueling inflation.The escalating‌ debt burden – currently exceeding $60 billion, ⁢according ⁢to Reuters calculations – is largely a consequence of past borrowing, notably ‌Eurobonds,‍ and declining oil revenues.‍ Nearly 47% of Angola’s ⁣2026 budget is now allocated to debt service, leaving limited resources for crucial investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.⁤ This situation underscores the challenges faced by many African nations grappling ‍wiht ⁣high debt levels and rising global interest rates, potentially hindering economic growth and⁢ stability across the continent.⁢

Angola’s finance minister, Vera Esperança ⁢dos Santos, recently ‌acknowledged the challenging fiscal situation, stating the‌ government is prioritizing debt sustainability while seeking to diversify ‍the economy away from its heavy reliance on ‌oil. The country’s debt-to-GDP ratio stands at over 80%, substantially higher than‍ the average for sub-Saharan‍ Africa.

The shift towards domestic ⁢borrowing ⁢is evident in recent government bond auctions, which ‍have seen strong participation from local banks and pension funds. While this provides ⁢short-term relief, ‌economists warn that sustained reliance on ‌local ⁤debt could lead to ‌higher interest rates and reduced credit availability‌ for businesses.”Angola is caught in a‍ difficult cycle,” said Ricardo Soares ‌de ‍Oliveira, a researcher at the University of oxford specializing ‌in Angolan political economy. “The need to service external debt is forcing them to borrow domestically, which in turn creates new vulnerabilities.”

The International Monetary Fund⁤ (IMF) ‌has urged Angola to⁤ implement structural reforms to improve fiscal management and boost non-oil ‌revenue.The IMF’s latest assessment highlighted the need for greater⁤ openness in public finances ⁣and a reduction in government spending. Angola ‌is currently under‍ an ‌IMF program aimed at stabilizing the economy and reducing ‌debt.

November 1, 2025 0 comments

World

US could hit Russia with more sanctions to end Ukraine war, but first wants Europe to increase pressure

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor October 25, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

WASHINGTON, April 26 – Teh United states is prepared to‍ impose further⁢ sanctions on Russia in an effort to compel a resolution ‍to the conflict in⁢ Ukraine, but is first seeking⁢ a coordinated increase in pressure from European allies, according to senior U.S. officials.

The Biden governance believes a‌ unified and intensified sanctions regime is crucial to‍ limiting ⁣Russia’s‌ ability to finance and sustain its war effort. While Washington has already ‍levied a sweeping array of⁣ economic penalties,officials say maximizing the ⁤impact requires broader participation ‍and stricter enforcement from European nations,some ⁣of whom are more reliant on Russian energy supplies. This approach reflects a strategic calculation that maximizing economic pain on Moscow necessitates a transatlantic consensus.

The push for greater⁤ European alignment comes as Ukraine continues to plead for‌ increased military and financial⁤ assistance from its Western partners. The conflict, now in its third year, has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and triggered a major humanitarian crisis, displacing millions of ukrainians. The U.S. and its allies have‍ provided billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, but officials ‌acknowledge that‌ a lasting⁣ resolution hinges on curtailing Russia’s capacity to wage war.

“We are constantly evaluating new sanctions authorities and targets,” a senior administration official told Reuters. ⁢”But⁣ the most effective path forward is⁢ one where we are‍ acting in lockstep with our allies. That multiplies the effect.”

Discussions with European⁢ counterparts are focused on⁣ closing loopholes in existing sanctions, targeting key sectors of the Russian economy – including energy, finance,⁣ and technology – and disrupting⁣ Russia’s access to ⁤critical goods and services. Some European officials have⁢ expressed concerns about the potential economic⁢ fallout from stricter measures, particularly regarding energy supplies.

The U.S. is working to address these concerns by exploring choice energy sources and providing economic support to mitigate the impact of sanctions. The administration maintains that the long-term costs⁢ of allowing Russia to continue its‌ aggression ⁣in Ukraine far outweigh the ⁤short-term economic challenges.

October 25, 2025 0 comments

World

Asian markets retreat on potential new US trade curb against China

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor October 23, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Asian markets broadly declined on Friday following reports ⁢the Biden administration is considering new restrictions ‍on Chinese technology firms, potentially escalating trade⁢ tensions between the world’s⁣ two largest economies. The move, aimed at⁣ preventing China from ⁣acquiring advanced⁤ semiconductors and chipmaking tools, sent ripples through regional stock exchanges ‌and ‌stoked concerns about global economic growth.

The potential curbs build on ‌existing restrictions and could substantially ⁣impact China’s technological ⁣advancement, affecting industries from artificial intelligence to electric vehicles. Investors are bracing for further retaliatory measures from Beijing,⁤ raising the specter of a ⁣renewed trade war that⁤ could disrupt supply chains, ⁢increase costs for businesses, and dampen consumer spending worldwide.⁢ The developments come as economic data from both the U.S. and china present a mixed picture, adding to market‍ uncertainty.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed down 0.54%, while South‌ Korea’s Kospi fell 1.44%. hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index ⁢shed 1.94% and the Shanghai Composite lost⁢ 0.76%. Taiwan’s benchmark index dropped 1.24%.The declines followed a negative session on wall Street,⁤ where the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.73% and the S&P 500 declined 0.85%⁢ on Thursday.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Commerce ⁢Department is preparing to ⁣unveil ⁢new rules that would close loopholes allowing⁣ companies like Huawei Technologies to ⁤access‌ restricted⁢ technologies through third parties.The proposed restrictions would require companies selling advanced chips to‍ China to obtain licenses, effectively tightening the existing export controls.

“This is a clear escalation ‍in the tech war,”⁤ said Alicia Garcia Herrero, Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis. “The U.S. is signaling it’s willing to take more aggressive ‌steps to slow China’s ⁤technological progress, even if it means disrupting ⁢global trade.”

the potential impact extends beyond ⁤technology companies. Analysts warn ‍that restrictions on semiconductors could⁣ hinder China’s ⁣manufacturing sector, impacting global supply chains already strained by geopolitical tensions‌ and the ⁤lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The‌ U.S.government ‍views⁤ limiting China’s access‌ to advanced⁤ technology as crucial for national security, fearing it could be‍ used to enhance its military capabilities.

October 23, 2025 0 comments

World

Exclusive: Ukraine drone attack on Russian gas plant hits Kazakh output, sources say

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor October 20, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

A Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian⁣ gas processing plant has‌ disrupted Kazakh natural gas condensate production, according too sources familiar with the matter, marking a potential escalation in the conflict’s economic impact beyond‌ Ukraine and Russia. The strike on the novy Urengoy gas condensate plant, located in Russia’s Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, has temporarily halted Kazakh ⁤output, raising‍ concerns about regional energy supplies.

The incident underscores the growing ⁤vulnerability of Russian energy infrastructure and the widening geopolitical ramifications‌ of the war. Kazakhstan relies on Russia for⁢ transit and processing of its gas condensate,a light oil ⁣crucial for petrochemical production. The disruption threatens Kazakh exports and could lead to price volatility in regional markets, impacting industries ⁤from plastics manufacturing to transportation. Further attacks could trigger‌ more significant supply chain issues and economic fallout for Central Asian nations dependent on Russian energy networks.

Three sources, speaking on condition of ⁤anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information, confirmed the Ukrainian military was behind the attack,⁢ which occurred on Feb. 21. While Russia has not officially acknowledged the incident, one source stated the damage was significant enough to force a temporary shutdown of processing‍ operations at the plant.

“The Ukrainians have‍ demonstrated a capability to strike⁣ deep‍ inside russia, and this attack specifically targets⁢ a key node in‍ the energy infrastructure that impacts not just Russia, ⁢but neighboring countries like Kazakhstan,” said one of the sources.

Kazakhstan’s energy ministry has not yet issued a public statement regarding the disruption, but sources‍ indicate officials are working with Russian counterparts to assess the damage and⁤ restore processing capacity. The duration of ⁣the outage remains⁢ uncertain,but initial estimates suggest it could take weeks to fully resume normal operations.

The Novy Urengoy plant is one of Russia’s largest gas condensate processing facilities, handling a substantial portion of the country’s overall output. While ⁣Russia possesses option processing facilities, redirecting⁢ kazakh condensate volumes will strain existing infrastructure and possibly lead to⁣ logistical⁣ bottlenecks.

This attack follows‌ a series⁢ of Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian oil refineries and energy facilities, aimed at disrupting Russia’s war effort by limiting its revenue streams. The targeting of infrastructure critical to regional partners like Kazakhstan represents a shift in tactics and signals a willingness to accept broader ‍economic ‌consequences in pursuit of ⁢its strategic objectives.

October 20, 2025 0 comments

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