President Obama has rolled out a new set of regulations that lifts the Cuban trade embargo to a certain extent. The relaxed rules allow easy facilitation of trade, travel and finance between the two governments, a move taken to end the age-old cold war between them. While the embargo cannot be lifted completely unless Congress gives their consent, the Obama administration is convinced that this is a step in the right direction for improving the condition of the island.
Legal & Regulatory
Oxitec’s Gene Modified Mosquitoes Appear As Lone Mean To Fight Against Spread of Zika Virus
WHO on Thursday has warned for probable spread of Zika virus across the North and Central American countries. Ahead of rising concerns for Zika spreading, drug makers and scientists have commented that manufacturing of an appropriate vaccine may even require a decade. These warnings has opened a huge business potential for Oxitec, an Intrexon subsidiary. Oxitec’s gene modified mosquitoes are capable of ensuring security against Zika for large populations.
Iowa Fast Foods Workers’ Strike On The Day of Republican Debate Possibly To Embarrass President Hopefuls
The Republican Debate is going to be held in Iowa State on Thursday. The fast food workers under the banner of ‘$15 per hour minimum wage movement’ have called strike on the very day apparently due to gain media attraction. The strike has been called demanding immediate implementation of the said minimum wage rate across the country and union rights. However, the demands have already been supported by many Democratic candidates and furnished in their election manifesto.
Obesity in Children Increased Dramatically, WHO Seeks Political Commitment In Tackling The Issue
Childhood obesity has increased drastically worldwide and WHO seeks political involvement in handling the issue. About 48% of obese and overweight children aged 5 and below reportedly belong to Asia and Africa.
Slump in oil prices curbs Malaysia’s growth forecast
Malaysia has trimmed its growth forecast mainly due to plunging oil prices. A miscalculated assumption has messed up the 2016 budget, which has the government groping for damage-control measures. One of the key outcomes were increasing the household spending of the country, which can give the sluggish economy a much-needed boost.
Latest News
Introduction of risk based regulation centering Basel III accord has pushed up costs of fund. As an aftermath, the January 20 auction of the UK sovereign bonds has witnessed the lowest demand in nearly seven years. Ahead of rising concerns over the increasing challenges in the UK gilt market, many of the world’s biggest banks are shrinking their bond-trading activities. However, concerns of the investors and dealers have been communicated to the regulators concerned through a meeting held on Tuesday.
The policy making committee of the Federal Reserve Bank has announced keeping key interest rates unchanged on Wednesday. The inflation rate exists below predictions and job growth remains satisfactory. But ahead of global economic turmoil and considering strong Dollar outlook, Fed has decided to let the tightened monetary policy to go further. However, it hints for hiking interest rates during its next meeting scheduled to be held in March.
Wynn Palace, an under construction casino, is widely expected to attract Chinese consumers and thus transform Macau to a popular tourist region. The casino project has been expected to be completed by June 25 followed by a revision on deadline. But work progress seems to be slow and the contractor for the $4.1 billion project is probably going the miss the extended time frame further. Steve Wynn, founder of Wynn Macau Ltd. has sent a letter to the construction company cautioning to count compensation up to $200 million if it fails to meet the revised deadline.
Presence of lead beyond acceptable has plagued Ohio and as the aftermaths, the schools of this remain closed for the straight 3rd day. Before Ohio, Michigan has reported tumbled with the same issue. But after conduction of investigation, the Ohio EPA strongly believes that the operator in water treatment plant of Sebring village has presented falsified test reports. The agency has sought legal assistance from the US EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division.
Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recalled mislabeled uncured pork pepperoni. Referring it as a Class II hazardous situation, FSIS advices Whole Foods customers to return the purchased products or just throw them away. But the recalling has taken place as consequences of changed ingredients from supplier’s behalf.
The lawsuit claims a penalty of $18 million as well as the returning of $2 million royalty payment because Jay Z was not abiding by the agreement that he would promote his signature fragrance. Parlux Fragrances claimed that they have lost millions from potential sales and development costs and demanded a compensatory fine.
With the increase of the penalty for uninsured people that will soon be applied, young adults are having a hard time to choose between the high cost of insurance or the bigger fines for not having premiums. The fine amount is now doubled compared to the one in 2015. This is an effort by the administration to encourage people to get health coverage.
New Mexico has become the first US state to sue the German automaker, Volkswagen, for breaching the Clean Air Act with huge levels of emissions as well as for trade malpractices. The allegation is the company sold as many as 4000-10000 faulty models whose nitrogen-oxide emissions exceeded the limits by 40%, which could cost VW almost $20 billion in fines.
The program aims to provide limited internet access to users, but the concept has raised concerns regarding internet neutrality. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has asked Facebook to discontinue the service until they provide more information on the program as requested. Facebook has responded with a campaign, but the program's ban has not yet be lifted.
