panama canal

The 2026 FIFA World Cup squad picture is beginning to take shape as nations across every group unveil preliminary and final rosters ahead of the expanded tournament in North America. From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo potentially making history to major omissions, emerging talents and final roster deadlines, national teams are entering the decisive phase of preparation before football’s biggest global spectacle officially begins.

China's economic planning body, the NDRC, has effectively halted Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI firm Manus. Despite the company reincorporating in Singapore and moving its operations, Beijing intervened, barring founders from leaving and ordering the deal unwound. This move signals a significant shift in China's oversight of tech deals, impacting future foreign investments.

Vance, Rubio On Standby To Follow, If Needed

Global crude oil markets are in a frenzy as a severe shortage drives intense competition for prompt deliveries. Physical oil prices have surged to unprecedented levels, with buyers vastly outnumbering sellers. This scramble, fueled by reduced Middle Eastern flows, is forcing refiners to consider scaling back operations, potentially worsening fuel shortages.

Iran's proposal to levy transit fees on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, is emerging as a new flashpoint. This move, aimed at generating revenue and exerting geopolitical leverage, challenges international maritime law and could disrupt global trade, pushing energy markets into uncertainty. Nations like India have rejected the idea.

In a dramatic turn, President Trump declared a two-week ceasefire with Iran, averting a major escalation. Following days of intense threats and missile exchanges, the move reopened the Strait of Hormuz, calming global markets. Experts debate whether this is a strategic pause or a calculated application of the 'Madman Theory' to force negotiations.

Over 200 ships are stuck on either side of the channel in the worst traffic jam the panama canal has ever seen. A number of causes, including a protracted drought that has decreased water levels in the canal and operational adjustments made by the panama canal Authority (ACP) to conserve water, have contributed to the obstruction.

President-elect Trump has ignited a diplomatic firestorm by demanding Panama return control of the panama canal to the US. He alleges unfair pricing and criticizes the 1977 handover agreement. Panama's President Mulino vehemently rejected Trump's demand, defending Panama's sovereignty and the canal's fee structure. The canal, a key revenue source for Panama, recently faced drought-related disruptions and subsequent fee hikes.

US President-elect Donald Trump has raised concerns about China's expanding influence in the panama canal region, criticizing high fees and suggesting a return to US control. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino emphasized Panama's sovereignty. China's investments in Panama’s ports and infrastructure further highlight the strategic US-China rivalry over this critical global trade artery.

Donald Trump threatens Panama. He wants the panama canal back. Trump says Panama charges unfair fees. He cites Chinese influence near the canal. Trump says the US generously helped Panama. He demands secure canal operations. Trump will take office next month.

AP Moller-Maersk will use rail transport to avoid the drought-hit panama canal, the Danish shipping giant said late on Wednesday, as low water levels have caused one of the world's main maritime trade routes to reduce crossings. The panama canal Authority (ACP) has reduced the amount and weight of vessels passing through based on current and projected water levels in Gatun Lake, the rainfall-fed principal reservoir that floats ships through the panama canal's lock system, Maersk said.

The Indian connection to the panama canal, built by the US in 1914 and later handed over to Panama, is highlighted by Bhag Singh from Punjab. Arriving in Panama in 1904, Singh contributed significantly to the canal’s construction, enduring hardships and diseases. His grandson, Darshan Singh Deol, advocates for a memorial to honor those who died.

Climate change is causing drought conditions that are making it harder to operate the panama canal and more expensive to pass through

The average wait time for non-booked vessels at the panama canal increased significantly last month due to a prolonged drought. Restrictions on daily transits and ship drafts were imposed to conserve water, resulting in longer waiting times for ships. The backlog of ships has eased slightly, but the restrictions are expected to last for at least 10 more months. While there has been a slight increase in rainfall, it is not enough to raise water levels in the canal. Experts predict that the low water levels will persist for the foreseeable future.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino refuted US President Donald Trump's claim that the US could take control of the panama canal, reiterating that the canal belongs to Panama. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Mulino highlighted the canal's sovereignty and its importance to global trade, also addressing concerns over China's investments in Panamanian infrastructure.