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Finland prohibits the use of e-scooters by children and requires rental companies to be licensed
Finland banned the use of electric skateboards by children younger than 15 years old on Tuesday. Scooter rental companies must now obtain municipal licenses in order to continue providing their services. The legislation approved by the parliament on "micromobility" last month is part a larger ramping up on regulations for e-scooters, whose use has increased rapidly in Europe in recent years. Italy, for instance, requires that riders of e Scooters wear helmets and have insurance. Authorities in Paris and Madrid also banned the rental of e Scooters. Lulu Ranne is Finland's Transport and Communications Minister. She said: "This situation has gotten out of control and it needs to be controlled." She added, "I hope we can all enjoy scootering in a safe and legal manner and save lives at the same time." The Finnish authorities estimate around 1,600 serious injuries each year in accidents involving electric scooters. They say that there have been six fatal incidents over the last five years and 600 children were injured in hospital during this time. Traficom, the Finnish transport and communication agency, said that the new law also limits the speed of e-scooters to 25 kph (15,5 mph) and prohibits the use of e-scooters while under the effects of drugs. Renting e-scooters in Finland is possible with Neutron Holding Lime from the U.S., Voi Technology of Sweden, Ryde Technology of Norway, and Tier Mobility, Germany. The licensing requirement was not immediately apparent and how it would impact their operations in Finland. The ministry warned that companies could be fined if they don't respect the new driving age. Parents can also be held responsible for allowing a minor to drive. (Reporting from Anne Kauranen, Helsinki; Editing and proofreading by Joe Bavier.)
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Airbus signs VietJet contract as hope for tariff-free air travel grows at the Air Show
Airbus and VietJet, a budget airline, struck a deal for up to 150 single aisle jets on the second day of the Paris Airshow. The U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy gave a boost to industry hopes that tariff-free trade would return. Duffy stated that he would like to see the civil aviation return to the 1979 zero-tariff agreement. This is one of the most clear signs to date that the Trump Administration might be in favour of such a move. Duffy said that, while the White House is aware that the U.S. has a large aerospace export market, they are also facing a complicated tariff situation. The 10% tariffs imposed by U.S. president Donald Trump on almost all aircraft and parts imports is a major headache for a sector that already faces supply chain issues and has been hit with new turbulence following the deadly Air India crash last week and the conflict in Middle East. Early in May, the U.S. Commerce Department began an "Section 232", national security investigation, into the imports of commercial airplanes, jet engines, and parts. This could be the basis for higher tariffs. Airline companies, planemakers, and other U.S. trade partners have lobbied Trump to reinstate the tariff-free regime of the Civil Aircraft Agreement from 1979. Airbus announced on the second day of the airshow that it had signed an agreement with VietJet for the purchase of 100 A321neo aircraft, and the option of purchasing up to another 50 in the future. The agreement confirms an earlier report. Cirium Ascend estimates that a deal for 150 A321neos might be worth $9.4 billion. Airbus announced a number of deals at the largest aviation fair in the world. Boeing, the U.S. competitor, is expected to put on a subdued performance as it concentrates on the investigation into the fatal crash last week of an Air India Boeing 787-8 and after it made huge deals during Trump’s recent Middle East tour. Leonardo's Stefano Pontecorvo, the group's chairperson for the defence sector, said that the Italian company had acquired a European cybersecurity firm to enhance its position in a field considered increasingly important by new combat systems. He refused to identify the company and said that the deal will be announced shortly. (Reporting from Joe Brock, Tim Hepher and Giulia Segreti. Mark Potter is the editor.
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Jordan purchases about 60,000 metric tonnes wheat in tender, traders claim
In an international auction held on Tuesday, Jordan's state grain buyer bought about 60,000 metric tonnes of hard milling whey from optional origins. They said that it was estimated to have been purchased from CHS trading house at a cost of $254.90 per ton, including freight (c&f), for shipment during the first half September. The reports reflect the opinions of traders, and it is still possible to estimate prices and volume later. Other trading companies also participated in the tender on Tuesday. Their offers per ton were: Cargill $256.66, Al Dahra $254, Ameropa 269.35, Buildcom 268.77, and Agrocorp 271.48. In the coming days, traders expect Jordan to launch a new tender to purchase 120,000 tons wheat. They said that the new tender will close on 24 June and Jordan would likely seek to ship in October and November. Separate tenders for up to 120,000 tonnes of animal feed barley will close on Wednesday. (Reporting and editing by Emelia Matarise, Emelia Sithole Matarise).
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The Spanish grid was unable to control voltage, resulting in a blackout
Sara Aagesen, Spain's energy minister, said that the Spanish grid's inability to control grid voltage led to a chain of events that caused the massive blackouts that struck Spain and Portugal April 28. A detailed report of the investigation will be released on Tuesday. It found that power plants required by law, to regulate the voltage on the grid, failed to do this in the moments leading up to the blackout. Aagesen stated in a press briefing held in Madrid that "the system did not possess sufficient dynamic voltage control capability". The power plants "should have been able to control voltage, and many of them received economic compensation for doing so." She added that they did not absorb the full amount of reactive power expected in high voltage contexts. The blackout, which lasted several hours, caused gridlock across Iberia and thousands of people were left stranded in trains and elevators. She added that the investigation had found no evidence to support a cyberattack. (Reporting and writing by Charlie Devereux; Inti Latona, David Latona)
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Maguire: Pakistan's solar boom puts it in the exclusive 25% club
Pakistan is quickly emerging as one of the leading countries in the deployment of solar energy, not only among emerging economies. According to Ember data, the South Asian nation has increased solar electricity production by more than three times global average this year. This is due to a fivefold increase in solar capacity imported since 2022. Solar power has risen from Pakistan's 5th largest electricity source to its biggest in 2025, thanks to a combination of capacity and production that is rapidly increasing. Solar farms have provided 25% or more of Pakistan's monthly electricity supply. This makes Pakistan one of only 20 countries in the world that has done so. Exclusive Club Ember data indicates that in the first four month of 2025 solar farms will generate an average of 25,3% of Pakistan’s electricity supply. This average is compared to a solar share that is 8% worldwide, 11% in China and 8% in America. While the average solar share in the Northern Hemisphere is expected to increase steadily throughout the summer, few countries are likely to secure a quarter or more of their utility electricity supply from solar farms anytime soon. According to Ember, solar farms have contributed 25% or more of the monthly electricity supply for utilities in only 17 countries. These nations include: Australia, Belgium. Bulgaria, Chile. Cyprus. Denmark. Estonia. Germany. Greece. Hungary. Latvia, Lithuania. Luxembourg. The Netherlands. Pakistan. Portugal. This list is heavily weighted towards Europe where the shock of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine 2022 has prompted widespread and urgent power-sector restructuring and rapid deployment of renewable generation capability. Australia and Chile, the only two nations outside Europe, are Australia and Chile. All of these nations have a higher GDP (gross domestic product) per capita than Pakistan. Import Drive Imports of solar modules from China have been the main driver behind Pakistan's solar boom. According to Ember, between 2022 and 2024 Pakistan's imports from China of solar components increased fivefold, going from 3,500 megawatts to a record 16.600 MW. Pakistan's share in China's total exports of solar modules also increased sharply from 2% to almost 7% by 2024. This import spree has continued through 2025. In the first four month of this year, Pakistan imported solar components worth just over 10,000MW from China. This compares to around 8,500MW in the same period of 2024. The increase of almost 18% in import capacity has also boosted Pakistan's share of China solar exports, which is now around 12%. SOLAR-CENTRIC In recent years, the rapid deployment of imported solar panels across Pakistan has radically changed Pakistan's electricity production mix. Solar is the largest electricity source in 2025. It is followed by nuclear reactors and coal plants, as well as natural gas. Solar farms ranked fifth in terms of electricity supply just two years prior. The solar industry's dominance so far is a sign that the utility system has shifted to renewable energy sources. The country has also committed to a much higher growth rate in the capacity of renewable energy production for the remainder of the decade. According to the International Trade Administration, Pakistan aims to have 60% of its electricity supply come from renewable resources by 2030. Renewable energy sources produced 28% of electricity in the country during the first four-month period of 2025. Energy planners aim to double that figure by the end a decade. Solar modules are the fastest and cheapest way to achieve these goals. This will help cement Pakistan's position as a solar superpower. These are the opinions of a columnist who writes for. You like this article? Check it out Open Interest The new global financial commentary source (ROI) is your go-to for all the latest news and analysis. ROI provides data-driven, thought-provoking analysis on everything from soybeans to swap rates. The markets are changing faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on You can find us on LinkedIn.
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Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in Indonesia erupts with an 11-kilometre high ash clouds
The volcanology agency of Indonesia said that Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in East Nusa Tenggara Province erupted Tuesday, releasing a massive ash cloud measuring 11 kilometers (6.8miles) high. The agency said that it has also raised the alert level for the volcano to its most dangerous setting, warning about potential lava flow if heavy rains occur. Lewotobi Lakilaki's eruption was In May, When authorities also raise the level to the most serious. Images released by the agency showed an orange mushroom-shaped ash cloud engulfing the village. There is no immediate indication of flight disruptions. When Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted In March, Jetstar, Qantas Airways and other airlines, including those from Australia, were forced to cancel or delay flights to Bali. The search and rescue agency in Indonesia, as well its disaster mitigation agency that oversees evacuation did not respond immediately to a comment request. Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of intense seismic activity that sits atop several tectonic plate boundaries. (Reporting and editing by David Stanway; Stanley Widianto)
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Wizz Air selects Pratt & Whitney to supply engines for an existing Airbus order
Wizz Air, a low-cost European carrier, announced on Tuesday that it had selected RTX Pratt & Whitney to be the engine supplier of 177 Airbus A321neo jets ordered. Wizz Air has shown its commitment to Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, despite the fact that issues with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines forced several airlines to ground aircraft. Wizz Air's total order of GTF-powered aircraft now stands at 453. The low-cost airline, which runs an all-Airbus-fleet, was forced to choose between Pratt & Whitney, its current supplier, and CFM, a joint-venture between GE Aerospace, France's Safran SA.PA>, and GE Aerospace. A defect in the powder used to manufacture high-pressure turbos and compressor disks has affected certain Pratt & Whitney GTF engine, causing disruptions for airlines around the world, particularly those that fly Airbus A320neo family jets. Reports on Monday indicated that Wizz's order for engines would be part of a settlement between Pratt & Whitney and the airline over delays in repair. The engine manufacturer said that "together with today's deal, the airline also secured a support package designed to improve operational stability and reduce the financial and operational impacts of aircraft grounded during this time period." Wizz CEO Jozsef Varradi said in Dublin at the Airline Economics Conference in January that problems with the engines of Wizz's grounded aircraft may last for four to five years. As of May 9, the carrier had 37 grounded aircraft. The carrier expects to have 34 aircraft grounded at the end of its first half 2026 financial period. Pratt & Whitney also will provide Wizz engine maintenance via a long-term agreement, both companies announced on Tuesday. (Reporting and editing by Shilpa Majumdar in Bengaluru, DhanushVigneshBabu in Bengaluru)
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Ivory Coast cocoa imports are below exporter expectations, says regulator
Yves Brahima Kone said that cocoa arrivals in ports of Ivory Coast, the top producer, reached 1,540 million metric tonnes at the end May. This compares to exporters' estimated 1.624 millions tons for the same time period. Exporters reported that last month the quality of cocoa was low and buyers refused to buy more beans, resulting in low volume. Six exporters said that although some trucks carrying poor-quality cocoa were returned by exporters, their beans were still recorded in the records. This explains the 5% discrepancy between the figures supplied by the regulator and those of exporters. This is a normal situation in the industry. "The same truck can be counted at different exporters in different times of the day. Four independent buyers of cocoa said that between March and may, the rejection rate rose significantly due to high levels of acidity in beans. This caused trucks to move from one supplier to another. Malamine Kante explained that he may have to go to three different exporters before he finds one who is willing accept his cocoa. He gets the beans from Soubre, a region in the west of the country. The cocoa industry is concerned that West Africa could suffer a third consecutive decline in production. Kone acknowledged that the poor initial data was a real concern for the main cocoa crop in 2025/26. He added that the success of the crop will depend on the survival rates of the cocoa flowers and young pods, known as cherelles, which are beginning to appear in fields. In order to develop until October and December, they will need to survive July. An Abidjan exporter said, "For now, everyone is watching to see what happens from now until mid-July". "The concern is real but not alarming yet".
Mitsui OSK CEO: Shipping in Gulf is continuing, and we are closely monitoring the situation
Japan's second-largest shipping company, Mitsui O.S.K. Takeshi Hashimoto, CEO of Lines (MOL), said that the company is continuing to operate as usual in Gulf while closely watching the situation in the area.
Hashimoto said on the sidelines the Energy Asia Conference that "we are operating so many container, car carriers, and chemical tankers, so it is very difficult for us reduce or stop the service."
He added that although there was no alternative route in the Gulf for shipping, it had been re-routed to the Cape of Good Hope following the attack by the Yemeni Houthis on ships in the Red Sea.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway that connects the Gulf of Oman to the Gulf of Arabia. It accounts for about a fifth of all oil consumed worldwide.
MOL's fleet includes 15-20 vessels which regularly travel through the Gulf. Hashimoto added that MOL is monitoring the situation 24 hours a day and evaluating the risks to its entire fleet.
Hashimoto stated that ships with Israeli flags or those flying the U.S. or UK flags were at greatest risk.
MOL may increase its ocean freight rates in the future, when insurance and security costs are added.
Hashimoto stated that the company would continue to avoid shipping on the Red Sea.
Separately MOL, which is the largest LNG carrier in the world, has been in talks with the European Union about lifting the ban.
The following are some of the sanctions that may be imposed on you
From its liquefied Natural Gas tankers.
Hashimoto, in reference to the Russian export project, said: "We provided a vessel to Yamal LNG Project which was not a targeted of sanctions." We are therefore confident that our vessel will not be targeted by sanctions. (Reporting and editing by Alex Richardson, Louise Heavens, and Yuka Obayashi; Additional reporting in Tokyo by Yuka Tan)
(source: Reuters)