U.S Customs and Border Protection has published its first Isotopic Testing Guidance document, which can be accessed on the CBP website using the following link – https://www.cbp.gov/document/publications/isotopic-testing-guide . The Guidance  explains CBP’s perception of the role of isotopic testing in supply chain traceability and sets out recommended isotopic testing standards. As explained in the Guidance, isotopic testing is a scientific method that identifies the atomic structure of naturally occurring materials, or a “fingerprint” of the material, affected by local environmental conditions....

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Multilateral development banks (MDBs) today issued a joint statement at COP29 in Baku outlining financial support and other measures for countries to achieve ambitious climate outcomes. MDBs estimate that by 2030, their annual collective climate financing for low- and middle-income countries will reach USD 120 billion, including USD 42 billion for adaptation, and MDBs aim to mobilize USD 65 billion from the private sector. For high-income countries, this annual collective climate financing is projected to reach USD 50 billion, including USD 7 billion...

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USA North Dakota Voters Reject Dramatic Plan to Eliminate Property Taxes as Other States Embrace Caps A ballot question that would have eliminated property taxes in North Dakota was soundly defeated on Tuesday, after critics argued the step would have gutted funding for essential services. Measure 4, which would have made North Dakota the first state in the nation without any property taxes, was one of nearly a dozen statewide ballot questions on property taxes that appeared on ballots across the country...

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Overview: The dollar is bid to start the new week. It has taken out last week's high against the Swiss franc, and the euro has been sold through last week's lows. The divided opposition allowed Ishiba to continue as Japan's prime minister, heading up a minority government. The German government collapsed last week. Chancellor Scholz wanted to hold off holding (and losing) a vote of confidence until January, setting the stage for elections, but it seems increasingly likely sooner. Meanwhile,...

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