Putin Agrees to Halt Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Facilities
Russian President Putin agreed on Tuesday to暂停 attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities for 30 days, but shortly afterward, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of continuing attacks. Ukrainian President Zelensky called for U.S. assistance in monitoring the ceasefire. Putin spoke with Trump for two and a half hours but did not accept a comprehensive ceasefire proposal, agreeing only to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. The White House stated Putin agreed to a ceasefire, but the Kremlin clarified it was limited to energy facilities. Trump viewed this as a victory, though some believe the U.S. was manipulated by Russian diplomatic tactics. Ukraine supports the ceasefire agreement, but public skepticism remains. Zelensky, visiting Finland, proposed that the U.S. should take the lead in monitoring the ceasefire.
At least 55 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run civil defense agency. This week, Israel resumed its bombing campaign and ground operations in the territory, resulting in over 430 deaths in two days, as per the Hamas-run health ministry. Hamas claims that Israel's announced ground operation on Wednesday is a 'new and dangerous' breach of the ceasefire agreement that began in January. Israel resumed attacks on Tuesday after talks to extend the deal failed. Israel has warned that attacks will intensify in Gaza until Hamas releases the remaining hostages, stating that Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday it had initiated 'targeted ground activities' to create a 'partial buffer between the north and south' in Gaza, calling it a 'limited ground operation'. IDF spokesperson Col Avichay Adraee stated that forces were deployed up to the center of the Netzarim corridor dividing northern and southern Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that combat had resumed 'in full force' and any ceasefire negotiations would now occur 'under fire'. Israel and Hamas have failed to agree on extending the ceasefire beyond the first phase, which expired on March 1. Hamas did not agree to renegotiate the ceasefire on Israel's terms, though it offered to release a living American hostage and four hostages' bodies as mediators tried to sustain the ceasefire. Israel blocked all food, fuel, and medical supplies entering Gaza at the beginning of March to pressure Hamas, accusing Hamas of commandeering the provisions without providing evidence. The conflict was triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and took 251 hostages. Twenty-five Israeli and five Thai hostages were released during the first phase of the ceasefire. Israel's response to the October attack was a massive military offensive that had killed more than 48,500 Palestinians, mainly civilians, before the resumption of its campaign, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday that it will keep interest rates unchanged, as President Donald Trump's tariff policies weigh on economic growth. Although inflation receded last month, an escalating trade war threatens to hike prices on consumer goods. Brett House, an economics professor at Columbia Business School, said that price increases from tariffs will widely impact the American economy. National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett warned of upcoming uncertainty due to the U.S. tariff agenda. Experts suggest that even with the Fed on the sidelines, consumers facing high prices and borrowing costs may see some relief, as rates for credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans are edging lower.
Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday on charges of corruption and aiding terrorist groups, sparking protests in Istanbul and the capital Ankara. Imamoglu, a member of the secular Republican People's Party (CHP) and a key rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was set to be named as a presidential candidate for the 2028 elections later this week. Critics have labeled his arrest as a 'coup' and are planning further demonstrations, despite a four-day protest ban imposed by Istanbul's pro-Erdogan governor. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Thursday that police had identified 261 'suspect account managers' and arrested 37 individuals, with efforts ongoing to catch others. Despite these measures, protesters remain undeterred. Although Imamoglu spent his first night in detention, his opposition party still controls the municipality. On Thursday, six universities in Istanbul called for demonstrations, with students chanting opposition slogans in the rain. However, the number of protesters remains relatively small for a city of over 16 million, posing limited political pressure on Erdogan to release Imamoglu.
Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, while the United States has dropped to 24th place, marking its lowest ranking ever. The Oxford University's Well-being Research Centre released the '2025 World Happiness Report' on March 20, with Nordic countries dominating the top spots, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking sixth and tenth respectively. Assistant Professor Mattila from Aalto University in Finland attributes Finland's high happiness levels to a well-functioning society and comprehensive welfare system. The decline in the U.S. ranking is partly due to the increase in people eating alone and rising 'deaths of despair.' Afghanistan is rated the least happy country, owing to its ongoing humanitarian crisis. The report is based on global survey data from 2022 to 2024, considering factors such as life satisfaction, GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
A day after the presidents of Congo and Rwanda called for an immediate ceasefire, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced deeper into Congolese territory, reaching the outskirts of Walikale town late on Wednesday, according to residents. Gunfire was reported near the Nyabangi neighborhood. An unnamed army source said the rebels were fighting soldiers and pro-government militias after overrunning an army position in a surprise attack. Walikale, rich in minerals like tin, marks the farthest west M23 has reached this year. The town, with about 15,000 people, is 125 km northwest of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, bringing the rebels within 400 km of Kisangani, Congo's fourth-largest city. Last week, Alphamin Resources suspended operations at its Bisie tin mine, 60 km northwest of Walikale, due to the rebel advance. Neighboring countries and foreign powers have intensified diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict, the worst in eastern Congo since the 1998-2003 war. On Tuesday, Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame held their first direct talks in Qatar, issuing a joint statement calling for an 'immediate and unconditional' ceasefire. The United Nations accuses Rwanda of supporting the Tutsi-led rebels with arms and troops, a claim Rwanda denies, stating its military acts in self-defense. Planned direct talks between Congo and M23 in Angola were canceled after M23 pulled out, citing EU sanctions against some of its leaders and Rwandan officials.
US President Donald Trump is set to sign a long-anticipated executive order on March 20 aimed at shutting down the Department of Education, the White House announced on March 19, fulfilling a key campaign promise. The move is already facing a legal challenge from a group of Democratic state attorneys-general who filed a lawsuit last week to block the Trump administration from dismantling the department and halting the firing of nearly half its staff. The order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to close the department and return education authority to the states, while ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits Americans rely on. It also mandates that any programs receiving Department of Education funds should not promote DEI or gender ideology, according to a White House fact sheet. Trump has repeatedly called for the elimination of the department, labeling it a 'big con job'. He proposed closing it during his first term, but Congress did not act. Republicans have long sought to reduce the department's funding and influence. McMahon, confirmed by the Senate on March 17 and former CEO of WWE, has defended Trump's plans but promised that federal school funding for low-income districts and students would continue. A source familiar with the order said student loans and services for children with disabilities, codified in law, would continue. Trump stated in February his desire to close the department immediately but acknowledged needing Congress and teachers' unions' support. Defenders of the department argue it is crucial for maintaining high public education standards and accuse Republicans of pushing for-profit education. An immediate closure could disrupt tens of billions in aid to K-12 schools and college tuition assistance. Trump and his advisor Elon Musk have attempted to dismantle government programs without congressional approval, but abolishing the Education Department would be his first shutdown of a cabinet-level agency. The department oversees about 100,000 public and 34,000 private schools in the US, though over 85% of public school funding comes from state and local governments. It provides federal grants for needy schools and programs, including funds for special needs teachers, arts programs, and infrastructure upgrades. It also oversees $1.6 trillion in student loans held by millions of Americans who cannot afford upfront university costs.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the release and return to France of Olivier Grondeau, a French tourist detained in Iran for over two years. Grondeau, 34, was arrested in southern Iran in October 2022 and sentenced to five years in prison for 'conspiracy against the Islamic Republic,' charges his family has consistently denied. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot posted a photo of Grondeau on a plane home, noting his reunion with family after 887 days in detention. Grondeau spoke publicly for the first time since his arrest, claiming he was 'held hostage' by authorities. Two other French citizens, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, remain detained in Iran, with France repeatedly calling for their release. Human rights groups say tourists and dual nationals are often held as leverage in diplomatic negotiations.
On October 23, 2024, a nine-person jury in Mandan, North Dakota, USA, ordered environmental group Greenpeace to pay over $660 million in damages to Texas-based oil company Energy Transfer, the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The ruling stems from Greenpeace's actions nearly a decade ago to prevent the pipeline's construction. Greenpeace plans to appeal, stating the case threatens rights to free speech. Energy Transfer hailed the verdict as a win for the rule of law, emphasizing the distinction between free speech and illegal actions.
In response to the burgeoning social welfare expenditure, the UK government has decided to reform the welfare system, reducing subsidies for the disabled and long-term sick while encouraging employment. On March 18th, Minister for Employment and Pensions Kandall announced the reform plan in the House of Commons, stating that the current system is failing those who need help and hindering national development. The reform is expected to save £5 billion by 2030. The plan includes tightening the eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), setting a 'permanent, above-inflation' allowance for Universal Credit, and abolishing the work capability assessment in 2028, replacing it with an assessment of independent living ability to determine benefits. Kandall noted that one in ten working-age individuals in the UK are claiming sickness or disability benefits, nearly one million young people are not in education, employment, or training, and the number of PIP applicants is set to double by 2030. The Prime Minister's spokesperson emphasized the necessity of the reform, assuring that those most in need will continue to receive adequate support. Data from the Office for Budget Responsibility shows that UK welfare spending reached £296.3 billion in the 2023/24 fiscal year, nearly 11% of GDP.
On March 19, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized with pneumonia, has stopped using an oxygen mask, and his clinical condition is improving. The 88-year-old Argentine pope has been at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14 for treatment of pneumonia in both lungs. Earlier concerns about his life were allayed by recent progress reports. The pope has ceased non-invasive mechanical ventilation and reduced the need for high-flow oxygen therapy, showing progress in motor and respiratory physiotherapy. However, the Vatican cautioned that the suspension of the oxygen mask does not rule out its future use, and his discharge is not imminent. While his pneumonia is not yet eliminated, it is under control. Over the past week, his breathing has improved, and on March 18, he managed without an oxygen mask for the first time. The Vatican stated that the next medical bulletin is expected on March 24. The pope's prolonged hospitalization has raised questions about leadership for religious events leading up to Easter, but no definitive decisions have been made yet.
A new online map has highlighted locations of Tesla dealerships and Superchargers across the United States, along with purported addresses and phone numbers of Trump administration's DOGE team members. The map spread online this week as police investigated a series of vandalism incidents against Tesla sites nationwide. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled these attacks as 'domestic terrorism' and several perpetrators have been charged. A violent attack occurred at a Tesla location in Las Vegas, prompting President Donald Trump to call the incidents 'domestic terrorism' and blame left-wing individuals. Similar incidents were reported in Fresno, California, and San Diego. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who plays a key role in the Trump administration, faces criticism, and Tesla's stock has plummeted by about 50% since mid-December.
Once labeled the world's ugliest animal for its soft, lumpy appearance, the blobfish made a surprising comeback by being crowned Fish of the Year by New Zealand's Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust this week, garnering nearly 1,300 out of over 5,500 votes. The annual competition aims to raise awareness for New Zealand's freshwater and marine life. The blobfish gained mainstream notoriety in 2013 as the mascot for the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. This gelatinous fish, which lives on the sea bed and grows to about 30cm in length, is primarily found off the coast of Australia at depths of 600-1,200m. In its natural deep-sea habitat, the blobfish resembles a regular fish, but deforms into its characteristic mushy shape when brought to the surface. The orange roughy came in second place, but a passionate campaign by local radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn of More FM helped secure the blobfish's victory.
Recently, Britain has updated its travel advice for citizens heading to the United States, warning that those who violate U.S. entry rules could face arrest or detention. Since taking office on January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced several immigration-related executive orders focusing on stricter border policies and tighter visa vetting. On Wednesday, Germany also updated its U.S. travel advisory, emphasizing that a visa or entry waiver does not guarantee entry after several Germans were recently detained at the border. The current British travel advice, published online by Britain's foreign office, states that all entry, visa, and other conditions must be complied with, and rule-breakers may be arrested. Previously, the website only noted that U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry rules. The foreign office declined to comment on the reason for the revision or confirm when it occurred, stating that the advice is designed to help people make informed decisions and is constantly reviewed. Earlier this month, in response to reports of a woman detained for over 10 days at the border for a potential visa breach, the Foreign Office confirmed it was assisting a British national detained in the U.S., who has since returned to Britain.
Tesla is recalling 46,096 Cybertruck vehicles in the United States to address an issue with exterior panels that could detach while driving, marking the latest in a series of recalls since 2024. The detached panels pose a road hazard and increase the risk of crashes. Tesla will replace the affected parts free of charge. In the first three quarters of 2024, Tesla vehicles accounted for 21% of all US recalls, though most issues were resolved via over-the-air software updates. Tesla's shares have fallen nearly 42% in 2025, reflecting a sluggish EV market and changing consumer sentiment.
The Economist is hiring an Audience Editor in London on a permanent contract, to start as soon as possible. The primary responsibility will be to produce 22 newsletters, 18 of which are exclusive to subscribers, as part of a five-person team. These newsletters include The War Room, Café Europa, Money Talks, and Simply Science. Candidates should have experience in writing, editing, and/or distributing newsletters, with a genuine passion for topics such as geopolitics, business, finance, and technology. They must have a strong understanding of publishers' newsletter strategies and be able to explain how this format drives acquisition and retention, fostering a sense of community. Experience with tools like Salesforce Media Cloud and Parsely for producing newsletters and assessing performance and engagement is desirable.