(jingdaily.com) - What Happened: Although China has been largely successful in controlling the virus, an alarming spike in cases and its first COVID-19 death since May have now rattled the country, causing it to close down just before Chinese New Year. In Hebei, where cases have surged to over 550, officials last week imposed “wartime mode” measures, including mass testing, transportation shutdowns, and travel restrictions. As the province surrounds Beijing, the country’s seat of power, these precautions act as a “political moat.” Shijiazhuang and Xingtai, two cities with more than 17 million people, were put under lockdown as well as districts in Beijing itself. All in all, more than 22 million people have been ordered to stay indoors — double the number of people affected last January in Wuhan.
News
Botswana, De Beers suitor near deal on ownership stakes – report
Botswana and a consortium leading the race to acquire De Beers are close to agreeing on their future ownership stakes, potentially clearing the way for Anglo American to exit the diamond miner, according to Bloomberg.
Today
Petra Diamonds subsidiary ordered to wind up over unpaid tax
Petra Diamonds has confirmed that a winding-up order has been made against its wholly owned indirect subsidiary, Petra Diamonds UK Treasury Limited (PDUK Treasury), following a petition by HM Revenue & Customs.
Today
LVMH’s watches & jewellery division revenue rose 8% in the first nine months of 2026
The Watches & Jewellery division of the French conglomerate LVMH, home to over 75 world-renowned luxury brands, recorded an 8% organic revenue growth during the first nine months of 2026 thanks to strong jewellery demand, despite a challenging economic...
Today
Russian companies to increase investment in PGM exploration by 17% in 2026
In 2026, Russian companies will increase their investment in the exploration of platinum group metals (PGM) by 17%, with the total reaching nearly 2 billion rubles ($23 million), the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment...
Today
Diamond jewellery sales in India set to increase 15% - 20% on sharp rise in gold prices
Indian diamond jewellery retailers anticipate a 15% - 20% increase in sales during the 2026 festive season, driven primarily by the sharp rise in gold prices which prompts consumers to consider diamond jewellery in more affordable price range...
Yesterday
