China sanctions five US units of S.Korea’s Hanwha amid US-China shipping dispute

The Senate has opted not to address health insurance subsidies, which is a significant factor contributing to the ongoing government shutdown. This decision reflects the complexities of legislative negotiations surrounding healthcare funding and its implications for millions of Americans relying on these subsidies. The failure to resolve this issue may prolong the shutdown and exacerbate the challenges faced by those dependent on health insurance support. The article also touches on other topics such as BillionToOne's IPO, China's advancements in biotechnology, and Lilly's recent eye drug deal, highlighting the broader context of innovation in the healthcare sector.

Solvay, a Belgian company, has signed two contracts to supply rare earths to the United States, highlighting Europe's struggle to compete with the U.S. in breaking China's dominance in this critical market. The deals are significant as they underscore the ongoing geopolitical competition over rare earth resources.

India has announced relief measures exceeding $5 billion to support its exporters who have been adversely affected by stringent US tariffs. This decision comes amid ongoing negotiations between India and the US aimed at reaching a trade deal. The financial assistance is intended to mitigate the impact of these harsh tariffs on Indian exporters, highlighting India's commitment to bolster its trade sector despite external pressures.

The United States has officially ceased the production of pennies after more than 230 years, a decision driven by the rising cost of manufacturing them. Currently, it costs nearly four cents to produce a single penny, which is more than double the cost from a decade ago. This move reflects broader economic considerations regarding the practicality and efficiency of maintaining such low-denomination currency in circulation.

Anthropic, the creator of the Claude chatbot, has announced a significant investment of $50 billion to establish new data centers in the United States. This initiative is part of a partnership with UK-based Fluidstack, aimed at enhancing computing power. The investment is expected to bolster Anthropic's capabilities in artificial intelligence and data processing, reflecting the growing demand for advanced computing infrastructure. This move not only signifies Anthropic's commitment to expanding its operations but also highlights the competitive landscape in the tech industry, where companies are racing to improve their AI technologies.

The United Nations nuclear inspectors have raised serious concerns regarding Iran's inventory of near-bomb-grade uranium. This issue has become more pressing as Iran continues to deny access to sites that were bombed months ago by the US and Israel. The lack of transparency surrounding Iran's uranium stockpile poses significant risks to international security and non-proliferation efforts, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region and the challenges faced by global monitoring agencies.

China's annual 'Singles' Day' shopping event, initiated by Alibaba in 2009, is facing consumer fatigue as shoppers grow weary of constant discounts amid a slowing economy. This trend raises concerns for Beijing, which is eager to stimulate spending. The event, celebrated on November 11, has evolved into a month-long sales period for e-commerce giants, but physical stores are struggling to keep pace.

A section of a newly constructed bridge in Sichuan Province, China, partially collapsed on November 12, 2025, following a landslide. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as a result of the incident. The collapse highlights the ongoing challenges of infrastructure stability in mountainous regions, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters. This event raises concerns about the safety and engineering standards of bridges in such vulnerable locations.