China's dominance in the rare earth market is being challenged as Brazil seeks to reduce its dependency on Chinese exports. With the third-largest reserves globally, Brazil aims to become a top producer, driven by the need for sustainable industrial development and the transition to green energy. However, the environmental impact of rare earth extraction poses significant challenges, as seen in China's Bayan Obo mine. Brazil's past mining disasters highlight the need for stringent regulations. Experts suggest cooperation with China to leverage technology and avoid past mistakes. While Brazil explores strategic partnerships, no federal cooperation with China has been announced.

China's dominance in the rare earth market is being challenged as Brazil seeks to develop its own rare earth extraction industry to reduce reliance on Chinese exports. With the world's third-largest reserves, Brazil aims to become a top producer, driven by the growing demand for critical minerals essential for green energy technologies. However, environmental concerns loom large, given the harmful impacts of rare earth extraction, as seen in China's Bayan Obo mine. Experts emphasize the need for stringent environmental regulations and potential cooperation with China to avoid past mistakes. While Brazil explores opportunities, no significant Chinese investment in its rare earth sector has been reported yet.

Brazil is seeking to reduce its dependence on Chinese exports by exploring its own rare earth resources. Rare earths are crucial for the green energy transition but pose environmental challenges due to their difficult mining process. This move highlights Brazil's strategic interest in securing essential materials for sustainable energy solutions.

Brazil's Supreme Court banned the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, after the company failed to appoint a local legal representative. This decision, led by Judge Alexandre de Moraes, aims to combat political disinformation. Despite the ban, right-wing politicians, including Jair Bolsonaro's sons, continue to use X via VPNs, criticizing de Moraes and the court's decision. Meanwhile, left-wing politicians are migrating to Bluesky. The ban has sparked a debate on free speech and the potential dangers of political polarization on social media platforms. VPNs remain a tool for circumventing the ban, though their effectiveness is debated.

Brazil is focusing on electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with significant influence from Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Great Wall Motors. The Brazilian government has implemented policies like 'Mover' to support local innovation and reduce reliance on imports, while also increasing import taxes on electric vehicles. Despite challenges such as high prices and limited infrastructure, electric vehicle sales are rising, driven by Chinese imports and government incentives. Brazil's lithium reserves are attracting interest from Chinese companies, though environmental concerns persist. The transition to electric vehicles is seen as crucial for Brazil's energy strategy, with plans to expand charging infrastructure significantly by 2025.

Brazil is experiencing a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its green energy transition, with China playing a pivotal role in this development. The majority of EVs in Brazil are imported from China, prompting Brazil to reintroduce import taxes to protect its domestic industry. The Brazilian government has launched the 'Mover' program to support sustainable mobility, aiming to increase EV sales to 30% by 2030. Chinese companies like BYD and Great Wall Motors are expanding their presence in Brazil, with BYD constructing a production base in Bahia. Brazil's lithium reserves, crucial for EV batteries, are attracting Chinese interest, though environmental concerns persist. Despite the promising growth, challenges such as high prices and inadequate charging infrastructure remain, with EV adoption currently concentrated among Brazil's wealthier regions.

Gig workers in Brazil and Mexico are renting accounts on delivery platforms like iFood, Uber, and DiDi to bypass bans and increase their income. Despite explicit bans on account sharing, up to 30% of gig workers in Mexico may be using rented accounts. Rising fuel costs, oversupply of workers, and platform bans contribute to this trend. Platforms have implemented ID verification measures, but workers find ways around them. Renting accounts leaves workers vulnerable to scams and without insurance. Labor rights organizations highlight the lack of support and stability for gig workers.

Older gig workers face significant challenges, including lack of health insurance and vulnerability to crime, particularly in countries like Pakistan, South Africa, and Venezuela. In Pakistan, the focus is on younger populations, leaving older workers unsupported. In South Africa, high crime rates make older Uber drivers easy targets. Venezuelans, facing age discrimination and economic instability, turn to gig work as a survival strategy. Despite being a lifeline, gig platforms often dismiss workers as they age.

Amid Venezuela's economic collapse, older citizens are increasingly turning to online gig work as a primary income source. With pensions insufficient to cover basic living expenses, many have embraced platforms like Workana, Upwork, and Freelancer for tasks ranging from content creation to data annotation. The shift is partly driven by age-related biases in traditional job markets and the technological literacy gained during the pandemic. Despite the challenges, gig work offers a lifeline, allowing older Venezuelans to earn significantly more than the national minimum wage, though inflation remains a concern. The trend highlights the growing role of the gig economy in providing opportunities for marginalized groups.

iFood, Brazil's leading food delivery company, opened a facility in Rio de Janeiro to support assaulted delivery workers, but it remains unused due to its remote location. Despite a high number of reported attacks, workers find the center difficult to access and prefer in-app support. The company has launched awareness campaigns and partnered with Black Sisters in Law for legal and psychological aid, but workers and experts argue that more accessible and widespread measures are needed. The article underscores the systemic issues of discrimination and exploitation faced by gig workers in Brazil.