Daily News Brief

Rising Economic UncertaintyKevin L. Kliesen from the St. Louis Federal Reserve highlights that the increase in economic uncertainty from last spring to this spring is the steepest in nearly 40 years, complicating decision-making for both companies and consumers and potentially leading to recessions. Menzie Chinn from the University of Wisconsin illustrates this uncertainty with the example of potential homebuyers who, despite lower interest rates, may hesitate due to fears of falling home prices. Additionally, the...

There is a 10% chance of a volcanic eruption in Auckland within the next 50 years, potentially causing $65 billion in building damage. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell has outlined priorities for new legislation, focusing on enhancing cooperation with Māori and incorporating Māori representation in emergency management, alongside the use of electronic signatures for declarations. A discussion document is open for consultation until May 13, aimed at strengthening emergency management powers based on lessons learned...

Heba BitarBBC Eye Investigations, el-GeneinaIn el-Fasher, Darfur, 21-year-old Hafiza recounts her mother's death from a shelling during Sudan's civil war, which began two years ago, leaving her to care for her siblings. Conditions have deteriorated as the city remains under siege, with rampant violence and humanitarian crises, illustrated by Mostafa and Manahel, who document their struggles to provide basic necessities and food to displaced individuals. The ongoing conflict has led to severe shortages, blurring class...

Iran is likely to reject a US proposal to transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to a third country, as negotiations continue in Muscat, Oman, between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff. Iran insists the stockpile should remain under UN supervision in Iran to safeguard against potential future US withdrawal from the agreement, fearing it would force Iran to restart enrichment. The next round of talks will be hosted by...

Karnataka's government is under pressure following the leak of a controversial caste census report, which has prompted backlash from the influential Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar is convening a meeting of Vokkaliga Congress MLAs to discuss the report, which suggests Vokkaligas make up 10.3% of the population with a proposed 7% reservation, while Lingayats represent 11% with an 8% reservation recommendation, despite community divisions. The report also estimates the Muslim population at...

NGOs are warning of challenging years ahead as humanitarian needs grow while financial support declines, with significant cuts from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and reductions in European aid budgets exacerbating the situation. Isabella Lövin, a deputy chair of the European parliament’s development committee, noted the "very dramatic consequences" of USAID cuts and criticized EU member states for their aid budget reductions, calling them "very regrettable" and "wrong," emphasizing that the EU cannot...