CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The fashion industry has been told it must wean itself off cotton from China’s Xinjiang region, as a new law comes into force giving US border authorities greater powers to block or seize goods linked to forced labour in China.

Detailed explanation-2: -According to an internal report by China Centre for International Economic Exchanges in May last year, one of the objectives of the US’ Xinjiang cotton ban is to build a new textile industry chain that excludes China.

Detailed explanation-3: -In 2020, the US government announced it would block imports of cotton from Xinjiang – building on other orders restricting such products from entering the US.

Detailed explanation-4: -It may be noted that the US had imposed a ban on cotton and cotton products produced in Xinjiang due to alleged human rights violations and forced labour in the region.

Detailed explanation-5: -Tough new US regulations on the import of goods from the Xinjiang region of China have come into effect. Under the rules, firms have to prove imports from the region are not produced using forced labour.