New Delhi, India – Saurabh Gupta will contest as an independent from Shalimar Bagh Assembly New Delhi: On one hand, Delhi is experiencing the harsh winter weather and on the other hand, the heat of the Delhi Assembly elections has intensified. AAP has fielded its candidates on all 70 seats.
BJP has also released its first list and Congress has also fielded its candidates on many seats. Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh Assembly seat will be very interesting this time.
AAP has fielded current MLA Bandana Kumari as its candidate. BJP has again expressed confidence in its former candidate Rekha Gupta. Praveen Kumar Jain is the candidate from Congress. Saurabh Gupta, who was once the backbone of Shalimar Bagh Assembly and played an important role in making AAP win every election, has expressed his displeasure with the party’s decision this time.
Saurabh Gupta has announced to contest as an independent. Talking to journalists, Saurabh said that current MLA Bandana’s husband has constantly exploited the workers of AAP and has misbehaved with them.
The MLA and her husband have worked against the party many times. To defeat AAP candidate Jalaj Chaudhary in the Municipal Councilor election, MLA Bandana Kumari and her husband Sajjan Kumar fielded one of their close aides as an independent candidate, but AAP workers made party candidate Jalaj Chaudhary win.
The party has taken a wrong decision by giving ticket to the current MLA, thereby playing with the feelings and respect of thousands of workers. Saurabh Gupta said, I want to ask AAP patron Mr. Arvind Kejriwal whether party workers have any respect or prestige in the party or not. I am saddened by the party’s decision, therefore I have decided to contest the election as an independent from Shalimar Bagh Assembly. Thousands of youths and old AAP workers extended their support to Saurabh Gupta.
New Delhi, India — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a search on Saturday at the Jamia Nagar residence in south Delhi of an accused recently arrested in connection with the Laos human trafficking and cyber slavery network.
During the search, investigators seized digital devices, including mobile phones and tablets, as well as incriminating financial documents such as debit cards, passbooks, and chequebooks from multiple banks.
The case revolves around a criminal conspiracy led by Kamran Haider and other associates involved in trafficking vulnerable Indian youth to the Golden Triangle region in Laos People’s Democratic Republic (Laos PDR). Victims were forced into cyber scams targeting European and American citizens.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Kamran Haider orchestrated the operation, facilitating the trafficking network. He is also accused of extorting money from victims who attempted to escape, using cryptocurrency wallets to collect the funds on behalf of Chinese scammers.
The NIA has stated that further investigations into the case are ongoing.
Three Arrested After Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s Body Found in Septic Tank in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur
New Delhi, India — India’s media watchdog and journalism organizations have demanded a thorough investigation into the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, a 28-year-old freelance journalist whose body was found on January 3, stuffed in a septic tank in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh.
Chandrakar was known for reporting on corruption and the Maoist rebellion in the mineral-rich state. He also ran a popular YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, which highlighted local issues.
The Press Council of India expressed “concern” over his killing, urging authorities to provide a detailed report on the “facts of the case.”
The Editors Guild of India also condemned the incident, stating it was “deeply disturbed” by the murder. “The safety of journalists – especially those working in smaller towns and rural areas – is of paramount importance,” the guild emphasized.
It further urged the Chhattisgarh government to “spare no efforts” in conducting a swift and thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ritesh Chandrakar, Dinesh Chandrakar, and Mahendra. Photo: Bijapur Police
Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the murder:
Ritesh Chandrakar: Mukesh’s cousin, alleged to have committed the murder with assistance.
Dinesh Chandrakar: Another cousin, accused of helping to dispose of the body.
Mahendra: Allegedly assisted in the murder.
The main suspect, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, remains at large.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma announced the formation of an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident.
The SIT, led by IPS officer Mayank Gurjar, aims to conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding Chandrakar’s death.
Authorities have also demolished illegal properties linked to the accused as part of the investigation.
The case has ignited political tensions, with Deputy Chief Minister Sharma alleging that the main accused is affiliated with the Congress party, while Congress claims that the accused was inducted into the BJP.
Media bodies have condemned the killing, calling for a thorough investigation and better protection for journalists.
Chandrakar’s death highlights the dangers faced by journalists reporting on corruption and local issues in India, particularly in regions affected by insurgency and political strife.
The journalism community continues to mourn his loss and advocate for justice in his case.
Damascus, Syria — The top diplomat in Syria’s new leadership said Friday he will make official visits to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan this week, having just been to Saudi Arabia on his first trip in office.
The new government is eager for investment from wealthy Gulf states to help rebuild the country’s infrastructure and boost the economy, shattered by more than a decade of war.
“This week, I will represent my country, Syria, on an official visit to our brothers in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,” its foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani said in a statement on X.
“We look forward to these visits contributing to support stability, security, economic recovery, and building distinguished partnerships,” he added.
Earlier this week, Shaibani headed a high-ranking delegation to Riyadh that included the new government’s defence minister and intelligence chief.
It was the first foreign visit by Syria’s new Islamist rulers since they ousted president Bashar al-Assad last month.
Last month, a Saudi delegation met Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, a source close to the Saudi government told AFP at the time.
Sharaa heads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, which led the rebel offensive that ousted Assad on December 8.
Last week, in an interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television, Sharaa said Saudi Arabia “will certainly have a large role in Syria’s future”, pointing to “a big investment opportunity for all neighbouring countries”.
Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire at a bustling market in Zhangjiakou, located in Hebei province
Beijing, China — A fire at a food market Saturday in northern China killed at least eight people and injured 15 others, state media said.
The fire at the Liguang market in the city of Zhangjiakou broke out midday Saturday and was mostly extinguished by 2:00 p.m. (0600 GMT), Xinhua News Agency reported, citing a government official in Qiaoxi District where the market is located.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, the report said.
Such traditional markets are often tightly packed with shoppers seeking prices lower than at supermarket chains.
Fire sources can range from gas bottles to charcoal used to roast meat and discarded cigarettes while aging infrastructure, such as underground gas lines, has also been blamed for fires and explosions.
Zhangjiakou, located in Hebei province bordering Beijing, hosted events during the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
Videos shared on China’s Weibo microblogging platform captured massive dark clouds of smoke and towering flames engulfing the market.
According to company data provider Qichacha, the Liguang Vegetable Market, which opened in 2011, offers a wide range of products, including fruit, seafood, and electronics.
Traditional markets like these are typically crowded with shoppers drawn by prices lower than those found at supermarket chains.
EXCLUSIVE REPORT — The world is more expansive and interconnected than ever before in human history. Modern air travel allows people to zip from New York to Singapore or London to Cape Town in hours—journeys that once took weeks or even months.
However, the abundance of choices can feel overwhelming. In this age of FOMO (fear of missing out), social media often makes it seem like everyone you know is off on an exotic adventure. So, how do we decide where to go next?
According to CNN Travel, their team of journalists has done an excellent job identifying the top destinations to visit in 2025.
The modern mosque with golden domes in front of Alatau mountains. Photo : Shutterstock
1. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan, is quickly becoming Central Asia’s “Capital of Cool,” offering a mix of vibrant nightlife, a growing arts scene, and stunning landscapes at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. The city is home to artistic metro stations, world-class museums like the Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum, and a unique “Neo Nomad cuisine.” Almaty is easily accessible via direct flights from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with visa-free entry for many countries, including the U.S., UK, and Canada.
2.Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India, have long been difficult to visit, with most Indians never setting foot there. However, this is changing with the launch of the archipelago’s first international passenger flight from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair in late 2024.
While the islands are sometimes linked to the tragic story of John Allen Chau, it’s important to note that access to North Sentinel Island is not only difficult but illegal. Instead, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands themselves offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm, welcoming locals.
Often compared to the Maldives before commercial tourism arrived, the islands boast locally-owned cafes, fresh juices, chai, and parathas. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and even visit Barren Island, home to India’s only live volcano. Swaraj Dweep, a short ferry ride from Port Blair, is a diver’s paradise.
Travelers from around the world have visited the Andaman Islands throughout history. According to the government tourism website, historical records show that:
Arab travelers visited the islands in the 19th century.
Marco Polo described the area as “Angamanian” during his visit in the 13th century.
Friar Odoric passed through in the 14th century.
Caesar Fredericke explored the islands in the 16th century.
The sun turns everything golden at Bequia Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean. Sylvain Sonnet/The Image Bank RF/Getty Images
3. Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
“Everybody dreams ah fi go England, my dream’s to go Bequia,” sings Marlo Benn in a soca song that captures the charm of this seven-square-mile island. Bequia (pronounced Beck-way) is a stunning destination known for its white sand beaches, warm year-round temperatures, and lush tropical landscapes.
Located just half an hour by air from Barbados, Bequia is one of the 32 islands that make up St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While nearby Mustique is more famous, Bequia’s allure is undeniable.
Despite being hit by Category 4 Hurricane Beryl in 2024, Bequia has recovered and seen a rise in visitors. The island’s most famous beach, Princess Margaret Beach, is known for its beauty and named after Queen Elizabeth II’s sister. Nearby, Friendship Bay and the Bequia Heritage Museum offer insight into the island’s history, including its long-standing whaling tradition.
Hip Airstream trailers provide a way to stay overnight at Salar de Uyuni, the world’s biggest salt plain. Photo : Journey Latin America/Shutterstock
4. Bolivia, South America
August 6 marks the 200th anniversary of Bolivia’s independence from Spain, led by Simón Bolívar, the country’s first president. While official plans for celebrations are still under wraps, 2025 is expected to be a year of festivity.
Though many travelers add Bolivia to a Peru trip, “the country is a destination in its own right,” says Laura Rendell-Dunn of Journey Latin America. “You can easily spend two weeks or more exploring its highlights.”
La Paz, Bolivia’s capital, is gaining recognition for its vibrant restaurant scene, with places like Gustu, founded by Noma co-founder Claus Meyer and now run by chef Marsia Taha. The restaurant is renowned for its innovative take on traditional Bolivian cuisine.
Luxury accommodations such as the Atix Hotel provide comfort at La Paz’s high altitude, while more remote areas offer unique stays like Airstream campers on the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. From the world’s highest navigable lake at Lake Titicaca to the pre-Inca ruins of Tiwanaku and the colonial beauty of UNESCO-listed Sucre, Bolivia offers luxury and fewer crowds compared to its neighbor Peru.
A giant bronze bust of Karl Marx looks over cultural events in the heart of Chemnitz in eastern Germany. Photo : Peter Rossner/Chemnitz 2025
5. Chemnitz, Germany
Once known as Karl-Marx-Stadt, Chemnitz in East Germany is most famous for its massive bronze bust of Karl Marx, the “second-largest in the world,” erected in 1971. This sculpture, symbolizing the city’s complex history, remains a major attraction, though Marx never visited the city in his lifetime.
In 2025, the focus shifts to Chemnitz’s vibrant cultural scene, as it joins Nova Gorica, Slovenia, as a European Capital of Culture. Once one of Germany’s wealthiest cities, Chemnitz is now celebrating its diversity with festivals, street art, vintage car rallies, and exhibitions.
Visitors can also admire the city’s eclectic architecture, including the two-part Town Hall, which blends 15th-century and Art Nouveau styles. The city’s “C the Unseen” initiative champions projects like the Purple Path, an art and sculpture trail connecting Chemnitz with surrounding communities, and efforts to transform public spaces into cultural hubs.
A bridleway in Ettington, Warwickshire. Photo : Bob Tinley/Wikipedia
6. England’s footpaths
England’s countryside is crisscrossed with ancient footpaths, bridleways, and byways, legally accessible to all. Despite lacking towering mountain trails, the country offers scenic paths just a short walk from most doorsteps, from green tunnels of trees to windswept moors. Iconic routes like the Pennine Way, Coast-to-Coast, and South Downs Way are popular, but quieter areas also feature marked trails. With an Ordnance Survey map, anyone can create their own adventure.
Eswatini’s Sibebe Rock is the largest exposed granite pluton in the world. Photo : Edwin Remsberg/The Image Bank RF/Getty Images
7. Eswatani and Mpumalanga province, South Africa
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has partnered with South Africa’s Mpumalanga province and Mozambique for the TRILAND 2024-2025 tourism initiative, aiming to create a cross-border tourism corridor in southeast Africa. While the U.S. government advises against travel to Mozambique, Eswatini and Mpumalanga are open for visitors.
Mpumalanga is home to Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, the third-largest canyon in the world, distinguished by its lush subtropical vegetation. Visitors can enjoy stunning views from God’s Window and easily combine their trip with a visit to nearby Kruger National Park.
Kayakers glide past the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk, Poland. Photo : Patryk_Kosmider/iStock Editorial/Getty Images
8. Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk is renowned as the site where World War II began and the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, which helped end communism in Poland. However, this Baltic port city offers much more. Formerly known as Danzig, Gdańsk was rebuilt after the war, emerging as one of Poland’s most colorful cities.
Notable attractions include the Museum of the Second World War, Artus Court, and St. Mary’s Church, one of the world’s largest brick churches. In 2023, Gdańsk was ranked among the best cities to live in Europe, with high resident satisfaction.
Gilgit-Baltistan is a challenging but sublime region of northern Pakistan. Photo : Tjetjep Rustandi/Alamy Stock Photo
9. Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
In the 1970s, Pakistan was a prime adventure travel destination, especially for travelers on the “Hippie Trail.” Though political instability halted tourism, the stunning peaks of the Gilgit-Baltistan region in the Karakoram Mountains remain as breathtaking as ever. Home to five of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, the region is a challenge to reach with unreliable flights and seasonal road closures.
With rugged terrain and limited infrastructure, hiking here is far more demanding than in the Himalayas. Solo hiking is not permitted, but organized trips from global tour operators like G Adventures and Intrepid make it accessible, with guided hikes starting around $3,000.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express promises fine dining and the romance of the rails. Photo : Courtesy Orient Express Italy
10. Italian trains
Luxury enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a super-luxurious train offering eight itineraries across Italy starting in April. The routes will include famous destinations like Venice and Tuscany, as well as lesser-known areas like Abruzzo, Basilicata, and Sicily to Rome.
For those on a smaller budget, Italy offers stylish travel options too. Trenitalia, ranked the best in Europe in December, operates high-speed Frecce trains connecting major cities efficiently. For a more luxurious experience, the Executive class offers large recliner chairs and butler service. Additionally, Treni Turistici Italiani (TTI) trains, often vintage, provide a more exclusive, comfortable ride. New 2025 routes include a Milan to Saint-Raphaël service and a seasonal night train from Rome to Lecce.
Stay tuned to our news site for updates on 10 more exciting destinations!
Washington, USA — The U.S. Transportation Department has fined JetBlue Airways (JBLU.O) $2 million for operating four chronically delayed domestic flights, marking the first penalty of its kind for prohibited scheduling practices.
As part of a consent agreement, JetBlue will pay $1 million directly to the government, with the remaining amount allocated to compensate customers impacted by the delays or any future disruptions within the next year, the department announced on Friday.
As part of the settlement, JetBlue has agreed to provide vouchers worth a minimum of $75 for passengers for future flight cancellations or delays of three hours or more caused by the airline within the next year.
JetBlue, which did not immediately comment, told USDOT it did not admit liability but agreed to settle to avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigation.
USDOT said at various points in 2022 and 2023 JetBlue operated chronically delayed flights between New York and Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando along with a flight between Fort Lauderdale and Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
“Regardless of the cause of the delay (carrier, weather, national airspace, security) for any specific flight, JetBlue had adequate time to act to avoid the chronic delays,” USDOT said.
The airline said it spent tens of millions of dollars to address issues with air traffic control especially in the U.S. Northeast corridor to as much as reasonably possible to prevent any chronic delays.
USDOT said there were 395 delays and cancellations across four chronically delayed flights in total, which meant U.S flights that are canceled or arrive more than 30 minutes late more than 50% of the time over a month.
USDOT estimates JetBlue was responsible for over 70% of the disruptions for the four chronically delayed flights.
Hanoi, Vietnam — Vietnam’s capital Hanoi has been covered in thick smog over recent weeks, putting it at the top of a list of the world’s most polluted cities, as the government said it would push for more electric vehicles (EVs) to alleviate the problem. Levels of hazardous small particles, known as PM2.5, were measured at 266 micrograms per cubic metre in Hanoi early on Friday, the highest reading among a list of most-polluted cities, according to AirVisual, which provides independent global air pollution information via a phone app.
The Southeast Asian country, a regional manufacturing hub with one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, has reported severe air pollution in its major cities for years, particularly in Hanoi.
The thick smog is mostly caused by heavy traffic, trash burning and industrial activities. “We the elderly can feel it very clearly when we suffer from respiratory problems that lead to breathing difficulties,” Luu Minh Duc, a 64-year-old resident of the city, said. “The situation seems to get worse recently.” Young people are also complaining.
“At first I thought it was foggy … but later I found out that it is actually fine dusts that reduce my vision and make me feel like it is not healthy to breathe,” said 21-year-old student Nguyen Ninh Huong. Speaking at a meeting with the transport ministry on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha called for an accelerated transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the efforts to reduce pollution, state media reported.
So far Hanoi has a target for at least 50% of buses and 100% of taxis to be EVs by 2030. “This is the responsibility of the state to the people, and there must be specific and timely actions,” Ha was quoted as saying by the Tien Phong newspaper. The ministries of natural resources, environment and health did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
A girl gets her picture clicked on the banks of the Yamuna river on a foggy winter morning in New Delhi, India, January 3, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
Know about India’s air quality?
Thick smog engulfed the Indian capital on Friday, prompting warnings of possible flight disruptions from airport and airline officials, as worsening air quality cut visibility to zero in some areas.
Delhi, which has been battling smog and poor air quality since the beginning of winter, ranked third among the world’s most polluted capitals in Friday’s live rankings by Swiss group IQAir.
No diversion or cancellation has been reported yet, an airport spokesperson said, although authorities warned in a post on X that aircraft lacking equipment to enable landings in low visibility could face difficulties.
Seoul, South Korea — South Korea’s presidential guards and military troops prevented authorities from arresting impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday in a tense six-hour stand-off inside Yoon’s compound in the heart of Seoul.
Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection over his Dec. 3 martial law bid that stunned South Korea and led to the first arrest warrant to be issued for a sitting president.
“It was judged that it was virtually impossible to execute the arrest warrant due to the ongoing stand-off,” the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said in a statement.
CIO officials and police evaded hundreds of Yoon supporters who gathered in pre-dawn hours near his residence on Friday, who adopted the “Stop the Steal” slogans popularised by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s supporters, to block the arrest.
Police officers stand in front of the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s official residence on Jan. 3, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea. PHOTO : Getty Images
Officials from the CIO, which is leading a joint team of investigators, arrived at the gates of the presidential compound shortly after 7 a.m. (2200 GMT Thursday) and entered on foot.
Once inside the compound, the CIO and police were outnumbered by cordons of Presidential Security Service (PSS) personnel, as well as troops seconded to presidential security, a CIO official told reporters.
More than 200 PSS agents and soldiers blocked the CIO officers and police, he added. While there were altercations and PSS agents appeared to be carrying firearms, no weapons were drawn, he said.
Yoon, who has been isolated since he was impeached and suspended from power on Dec. 14, was not seen during the stand-off, he said.
Pro-Yoon Suk Yeol supporters gather near the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Jan. 3, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea.
South Korea’s defence ministry said the troops involved were under the control of the PSS. The CIO called off the effort to arrest Yoon around 1:30 p.m. due to concerns over the safety of its personnel, and said it “deeply regretted” Yoon’s non-compliance. The CIO said it would consider its next steps. The police, who are part of the joint investigation team, have designated the PSS chief and the deputy as suspects in a criminal case for obstruction of official duty and issued summons for them to appear for questioning on Saturday, Yonhap news reported.
Insurrection is one of the few criminal charges from which a South Korean president does not have immunity. Yoon’s arrest warrant, approved by a court on Tuesday after he ignored multiple summons to appear for questioning, is viable until Jan. 6.
Footage of President Yoon Suk Yeol on TV in South Korea. Photo : Kim Jae-Hwan/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
In a statement after the arrest effort was suspended, Yoon’s legal team said the CIO had no authority to investigate insurrection and it was regrettable that it had tried to execute an illegal warrant in a sensitive security area.
The statement warned police against supporting the arrest effort. The presidential office filed a criminal complaint against three broadcasters and YouTube channel owners for unauthorised filming of the presidential residence, which it said was “a secured facility directly linked to national security”.
The current warrant gives investigators only 48 hours to hold Yoon after he is arrested. Investigators must then decide whether to request a detention warrant or release him.
Kim Seon-taek, a Korea University law professor, said targeting the PSS leadership may allow the investigators to sap the service’s ability to put up resistance so they can try again to execute the warrant, which is “a rough way” to proceed.
A better way, he said, would be for acting President Choi Sang-mok to exercise his power to order the PSS to cooperate. Later on Friday, the CIO said it would ask Choi to give that order. Choi’s office issued no comment on the arrest attempt.
Beijing, China — U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla said on Friday its sales rose 8.8% to a record high of more than 657,000 cars in 2024, a strong performance in a competitive market in a year when its annual global deliveries fell for the first time.
Tesla’s sales in the world’s largest auto market also increased 12.8% in December from a month earlier to a record high of 83,000 units, according to Tesla China.
In 2024, Tesla delivered 36.7% of its cars to customers in China, its second-largest market, based on the sales figures.
But global deliveries nonetheless slid 1.1%, missing CEO Elon Musk’s earlier prediction of slight growth. Reduced European subsidies, a U.S. shift toward lower-priced hybrid vehicles and tougher global competition, especially from China’s BYD , were a drag on sales.
With full-year global sales of 1.79 million cars, Tesla was still narrowly ahead of BYD, whose EV sales grew 12.1% to 1.76 million globally.
The U.S. EV giant downsized its global workforce last year in the face of tepid demand and stiffer competition from Chinese EV makers, and cut the size of its China sales team.
As an EV price war in China enters a third year, Tesla has extended a 10,000 yuan ($1,369.99) discount on outstanding loans for its best-selling Model Y as well as zero-interest financing of up to five years for some Model 3 and Model Y cars until the end of this month.
BYD, which has led a cost-cutting competition with its Dynasty and Ocean series of EVs and plug-in hybrids, overshot its sales target, with passenger vehicle sales up 41% to over 4.25 million units last year.
The Chinese EV champion’s overseas shipments rose 71.9% to 417,204 units, or 9.8% of its global sales, missing its export target of 450,000 for 2024, as it faces a 17% additional tariff, the lowest the EU has assigned Chinese EVs from China.
Nearly one out of five BYD cars sold out of China was in Brazil, where BYD and its contractor Jinjiang Group are facing investigations by Brazilian authorities into the conditions of the Chinese workers at the construction site of a local BYD factory.
In 2024, Tesla delivered 36.7% of its cars to customers in China, its second-largest market, based on the sales figures. However, its global deliveries slid 1.1%, missing CEO Elon Musk’s earlier prediction of slight growth, with exports from China falling by 24%. Reduced European subsidies, a U.S. shift toward lower-priced hybrid vehicles and tougher global competition, especially from China’s BYD (002594.SZ), opens new tab, were a drag on sales.
