Dollar heads for sharpest weekly drop as global rate outlook shifts
The US dollar is on track for its steepest weekly decline since late January, falling about 1.1 percent against major currencies as other leading central banks signal tighter monetary policy while the Federal Reserve holds back. The shift reflects a rapid change in global policy expectations following a surge in energy prices linked to the......
Euro zone posts unexpected trade deficit as US exports plunge
The euro zone recorded a trade deficit of 1.9 billion euros in January 2026, sharply missing expectations for a surplus and highlighting mounting pressure from transatlantic trade tensions, according to Eurostat data released on March 20. The deficit widened from 1.4 billion euros a year earlier, while analysts had forecast a surplus of 12.8......
Bitcoin falls below $70,000 after strong US inflation data
Bitcoin dropped below the $70,000 mark on March 18 after stronger than expected US producer price data reinforced inflation concerns, just hours before the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, extending a pattern of post-policy declines in crypto markets. The cryptocurrency fell as much as 5.7 percent over 24 hours, briefly touching......
Bitcoin drop below $45,000 seen as coin faces market uncertainty
Prediction market data shows investors are increasingly divided on Bitcoin’s outlook, with Polymarket assigning a 51 percent probability that the cryptocurrency will fall below $45,000 by the end of 2026. The shift reflects growing uncertainty after Bitcoin lost roughly half its value from its October 2025 peak near $126,000. Bitcoin......
US intensifies strikes on Iran with no timeline for war end
The United States signaled a prolonged military campaign against Iran as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said no timeline has been set for ending the conflict, even as Washington prepares its largest wave of strikes since operations began. Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth stated that the duration of the war, now in its third week, will ultimately......
Lilly drug retatrutide shows strong results in diabetes trial
Eli Lilly said its experimental drug retatrutide met all primary and secondary endpoints in a phase 3 clinical trial for type 2 diabetes, delivering significant reductions in blood sugar and body weight over 40 weeks. The TRANSCEND-T2D-1 trial involved 537 adults whose diabetes was not adequately controlled through diet and exercise alone.......
European central banks hold rates as Iran war fuels inflation fears
Major European central banks kept interest rates unchanged on Thursday as rising energy prices linked to the conflict with Iran raised concerns about renewed inflation across the region. The European Central Bank held its deposit rate at 2 percent for the sixth consecutive meeting, while the Bank of England, the Swiss National Bank, and Sweden’s......
Spain pledges $1.2 billion in military aid during Zelensky visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky secured new military and industrial support from European allies during a two-day diplomatic tour, as Kyiv seeks to maintain international backing while global attention shifts toward escalating tensions in the Middle East. Zelensky began his trip in the United Kingdom on March 17, where he met King......
Oil prices surge above $112 as Gulf attacks rattle markets
Asian stock markets fell sharply on Thursday as escalating attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf pushed oil prices higher, while the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan held interest rates steady amid rising economic uncertainty. Oil prices jumped after strikes targeting key facilities across the region. Brent crude rose above......
Art drives social justice movements through protest and cultural expression
Art has long played a central role in social justice movements by amplifying marginalized voices and turning complex issues into powerful public messages. Through visual works, music, and performance, artists create emotional connections that can influence opinion and mobilize collective action. Historical examples show how art has shaped......
Anti discrimination laws vary widely across countries and legal systems
Anti-discrimination laws differ significantly across countries, reflecting variations in legal traditions, cultural norms, and historical priorities. These differences shape which groups are protected, how broadly laws apply, and how they are enforced. The range of protected characteristics varies by jurisdiction. Many countries include categories......
Historical events continue to shape modern political ideologies and debates
Historical events have played a decisive role in shaping contemporary political ideologies, often emerging from crises, revolutions, and major social transformations. These moments redefine power structures, influence collective values, and leave lasting impacts on how societies understand governance, rights, and justice. The Enlightenment......
Dollar index rises above 100 as Iran conflict fuels safe haven demand
The US dollar index climbed above the 100 mark on Wednesday, gaining about 5 percent from its late January low, as escalating tensions in the Middle East and a more restrictive Federal Reserve stance drove investors toward the dollar as a safe haven. The move marks a sharp reversal for a currency that had fallen roughly 9 percent earlier......
New patents reshape smart home systems with automation and energy control
Recent patent filings since 2022 show rapid development in smart home technologies, with innovations focusing on device connectivity, energy optimization, user preference automation, and cross platform integration. These advances aim to simplify setup, improve efficiency, and enable more autonomous home environments. Several patents address......
Global food traditions reflect culture identity and social connections
Food practices around the world carry strong cultural meanings shaped by history, environment, religion, and social structures. These traditions influence identity, daily routines, and communal rituals, creating distinct patterns across regions while also evolving through migration and global exchange. In Africa, food traditions often reflect......