Forget about rare earth minerals. We need more copper

In order to make any pan nonstick, regardless of the material, heating the pan before adding oil is key. Aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and copper pans are the easiest to make nonstick with oil and heat, while cast iron and carbon steel pans require pre-seasoning in the oven. It is important to use oils with high smoke points, such as canola or avocado oil, and avoid cooking sprays due to potential residue and unhealthy ingredients....

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Southampton and the University of Vienna found that people in the UK tend to believe that fictional heroes like Harry Potter and Gandalf share their political views, while villains like Darth Vader and Cruella de Vil would support opposing parties, leading to increased political polarisation. The tendency to project personal views onto fictional characters also extended to real-life politicians, with participants associating positive attributes with politicians...

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Andrii Hnatov as the new chief of the general staff of Ukraine's armed forces, replacing Anatoliy Barhylevych. Hnatov's appointment comes as the country seeks to restructure and strengthen its military amid combat in Russia's Kursk region and increasing pressure in Donetsk. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized the ongoing transformation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with Barhylevych now serving as the general inspector of Ukraine's Defense Ministry. Full Article

Narendra Modi's tenure as prime minister of India is being debated as either a period of national pride or a time of divisive Hindu nationalism and threats to secular democracy. His rise in national politics has sparked controversy and raised questions about the future of India's core institutions. The verdict on Modi's leadership remains uncertain as India navigates complex political and social challenges. Full Article

Russian official Alexander Grushko stated that any peace deal in Ukraine must include guarantees that Nato will not admit Ukraine as a member and that Ukraine will remain neutral. Talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are ongoing, with a proposed 30-day ceasefire on the table. Putin has set tough conditions for peace, including the status of Russia's Kursk region and monitoring the ceasefire along the frontline. Full Article

China's economic data for the first two months of the year showed a modest pickup, with retail sales rising by 4.0% and industrial production climbing 5.9%, beating analysts' expectations. To bolster domestic consumption and reach a growth target of "around 5%", Chinese policymakers have announced plans for stronger stimulus measures, including additional support for consumers and efforts to stabilize the stock market and boost tourism. Full Article