News

Taliban bans foreign currencies from being used in Afghanistan

Published

4 years ago

November 4, 2021

Taliban bans the use of foreign currencies in Afghanistan

The Taliban has revealed it is banning the use of foreign currencies in Afghanistan

The move to ban the use of foreign currencies such as the US dollar could further disrupt the Afghan economy which is already on the brink of collapse.

Afghanistan’s economy is struggling due to the withdrawal of international financial support after the Taliban took control.

“The economic situation and national interests in the country require that all Afghans use Afghani currency in their every trade,”
the Taliban said.

The US dollar has been used widely in Afghanistan’s markets

Currencies are also often used for trade in areas bordering Afghanistan’s neighbours such as Pakistan.

“The Islamic Emirate instructs all citizens, shopkeepers, traders, businessmen and the general public to henceforth conduct all transactions in Afghanis and strictly refrain from using foreign currency,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Taliban bans the use of international currencies / Image: File

“Anyone violating this order will face legal action,” the statement said

Following the takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban in August, billions of dollars of the country’s overseas assets were frozen by the US Federal Reserve and central banks in Europe.

“We believe that it’s essential that we maintain our sanctions against the Taliban but at the same time find ways for legitimate humanitarian assistance to get to the Afghan people. That’s exactly what we’re doing,”
Deputy United States Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told the US Senate Banking Committee last month.

The militant group, which is now governing Afghanistan has called for the release of country’s assets that are being held overseas as the nation faces a severe cash crunch.

Afghanistan has also been hit by the exodus of foreign aid. Grants from overseas previously financed three quarters of its public spending.

News

China blocks ByteDance from using Nvidia chips in new data centres

China blocks ByteDance from using Nvidia chips, tightening tech control and pushing for domestic AI innovation amid U.S. restrictions.

Published

39 minutes ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

China blocks ByteDance from using Nvidia chips, tightening tech control and pushing for domestic AI innovation amid U.S. restrictions.

Chinese regulators have moved to block ByteDance from deploying Nvidia chips in newly built data centres, tightening control over foreign technology used by major Chinese tech giants. The decision comes after ByteDance made substantial purchases of Nvidia hardware amid fears of shrinking supply from the United States.

Washington has already restricted the sale of advanced chips to China, allowing only weakened versions into the market. Beijing’s latest move reflects its push to reduce dependence on U.S. technology and accelerate home-grown AI innovation.

The ban places operational and financial pressure on ByteDance, which must now work around a growing pile of Nvidia chips it is no longer allowed to use. Domestic suppliers like Huawei are expected to step in as China intensifies its pursuit of tech self-reliance.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#ChinaTech #ByteDance #Nvidia #AIIndustry #USChinaTech #ChipRestrictions #Huawei #TechPolicy

News

Hong Kong high-rise inferno leaves dozens dead and hundreds missing

Deadly fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court kills 36, 279 missing; authorities face scrutiny over construction safety.

Published

54 minutes ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Deadly fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court kills 36, 279 missing; authorities face scrutiny over construction safety.

A horrific fire has torn through Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex, killing at least 36 people and leaving 279 missing. The blaze erupted in the Tai Po district and quickly intensified as bamboo scaffolding helped the flames spread with alarming speed.

The complex, home to nearly 4,800 residents, was undergoing major renovations at the time of the disaster. Authorities are now facing renewed scrutiny over construction safety and the ongoing reliance on bamboo scaffolding, which has been at the centre of multiple accidents in recent years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed deep condolences and called for urgent rescue and recovery operations as emergency teams continue searching for survivors.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

National Guard troops shot near White House as lockdown declared

Two National Guard members shot near the White House; critical condition prompts major law enforcement response and lockdown.

Published

1 hour ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Two National Guard members shot near the White House; critical condition prompts major law enforcement response and lockdown.

Two National Guard members have been shot in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House, prompting a major response from law enforcement. A suspect was also shot during the confrontation, and officials report the guards are in critical condition. President Trump, currently in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, confirmed the severity of the incident.

Authorities quickly locked down the White House and the Treasury Department’s headquarters as police surrounded Farragut Square with heavy security and yellow tape. The area remains closed off as investigators work to understand what led to the violent encounter.

This shooting comes as tensions rise around the National Guard’s legal role in the capital. A federal judge recently ruled their presence violates several laws but delayed action until December 11, leaving a controversial deployment in limbo.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticke

#WashingtonDC #NationalGuard #WhiteHouse #BreakingNews #USPolitics #SecurityAlert #Trump #TickerNews