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Pakistan's recent developments include a deepening of energy and mineral resource collaborations with China and the US. A major oil discovery in the Potwar region highlights Pakistan's hydrocarbon potential, while new agreements aim to boost mineral processing and infrastructure, amid regional security concerns and geopolitical shifts.
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The UK government has reaffirmed its opposition to solar radiation management and other geoengineering techniques aimed at cooling the polar regions. This stance follows recent scientific assessments dismissing the feasibility and safety of such interventions, emphasizing that emissions reductions remain the priority in addressing climate change.
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The US Department of Energy is taking a 5% stake in Lithium Americas and Thacker Pass, a key lithium project in Nevada, to reduce reliance on China. The deal involves a $435 million federal loan, with GM investing heavily. This aims to support domestic EV battery supply chains and strengthen US independence in critical minerals.
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As of early October 2025, the US Department of Energy has acquired a 5% equity stake in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass lithium mining project, a joint venture with General Motors. This move aims to reduce US reliance on China for lithium, a critical mineral for electric vehicle batteries. The project is expected to produce enough lithium carbonate annually to power 800,000 EVs, with commercial operations targeted for 2026-2028.
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Japan aims to increase nuclear power contribution to 20% of its energy mix by 2040, requiring about 5.5 gigawatts of new capacity. The country currently has 33 reactors, with plans to utilize existing ones fully and explore new builds, as part of its climate and economic goals.
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Tesla reported a record 497,099 vehicle deliveries in Q3 2025, a 7.4% increase year-over-year and a 29% jump from Q2, driven by a rush to claim the expiring $7,500 US federal EV tax credit. Rivian also saw quarterly delivery growth but lowered its 2025 forecast. Tesla's European sales fell 22.5%, while China deliveries included a new Model Y variant. Munro EV in Scotland plans to create 300 jobs to scale production of its all-terrain electric vehicle.
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Recent US policy shifts have led to the cancellation of funding for two hydrogen hubs, impacting the country's competitiveness in green energy. Meanwhile, companies are increasing carbon credit use amid record market activity, reflecting a broader push toward cleaner energy and carbon offset initiatives.
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The Biden-era Department of Energy has rescinded $720 million in manufacturing grants for battery recycling, synthetic graphite, and insulating windows, citing missed milestones and inadequate progress. The move aligns with the Trump administration's focus on traditional energy sources, impacting several startups and ongoing projects, despite previous funding commitments.
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The US government plans to underwrite at least $80 billion for Westinghouse reactors, aiming to revive nuclear energy, support President Trump's energy goals, and create thousands of jobs. The deal involves government stakes and potential IPOs, amid challenges like high costs and regulatory hurdles.
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President Trump announced the US will restart nuclear testing, citing other countries' programs. The move follows recent Russian and Chinese nuclear developments and raises concerns about a potential arms race. The US has not conducted nuclear tests since 1992, and the decision has sparked bipartisan opposition.
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President Trump ordered the Pentagon to restart nuclear testing, claiming it would be system tests and not nuclear explosions. Experts warn this could trigger a new arms race, but officials emphasize tests will be non-critical. The move raises concerns about global stability and treaty commitments.
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The US has announced it will resume non-nuclear system tests of its nuclear weapons, citing concerns over China's nuclear buildup. The tests involve components, not detonations, and aim to ensure weapon reliability. Critics question the justification and potential escalation of nuclear tensions.
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The US government announced a $550 billion funding commitment to nuclear projects, including restarting Three Mile Island and supporting new reactors in Japan. The move aligns with US priorities on energy security and climate change, amid a global nuclear renaissance.
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U.S. President Trump announced plans to restart nuclear tests, prompting Russia's reciprocal threat. Experts warn this could undermine global nonproliferation efforts and escalate arms race fears. The international community remains uncertain about the specifics of the tests and their implications.