UK Prime Minister Criticizes Putin’s Stance on Proposed Peace Plan

The Guardian,

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has openly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for imposing “empty words and pointless conditions” on a peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Starmer emphasized the urgency of immediate action, asserting that Russia must be held accountable if it fails to agree to a serious, monitored ceasefire. He is set to present a detailed peace proposal to approximately 25 world leaders, aiming to enforce the ceasefire and increase pressure on Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed hope for a swift end to the war following Kyiv’s acceptance of a 30-day ceasefire proposal. However, Putin has imposed conditions and continues rearming Russian forces. Recent attacks involved Russian drones and ballistic missiles, with Ukraine claiming to have intercepted many of them. The G7 has warned Russia of new sanctions unless it accepts the ceasefire on equal terms, while the EU is considering additional military aid to Ukraine and extending sanctions on Russian officials.

SpaceX Launches Crew-10 Mission Amidst Recent Setbacks

People,

On March 14, 2025, SpaceX and NASA’s Crew-10 mission successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, after a two-day delay due to a hydraulic issue. The crew aboard the SpaceX Dragon includes NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. They are expected to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) on March 15, facilitating the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been in space since June 2024. The return, initially intended for a brief ten-day mission, was delayed due to mechanical issues with their spacecraft. The situation was further complicated by a recent SpaceX Starship explosion on March 6, 2025, which led to debris and brief grounding of flights at Florida airports. Despite these challenges, both astronauts remain positive, emphasizing their commitment and preparedness.

Anti-Israel Protesters Occupy Trump Tower in New York

New York Post,

A group of anti-Israel protesters recently occupied Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan, drawing significant attention and sparking varied public reactions. Critics have accused the protesters, primarily liberal Democrats, of engaging in senseless demonstrations, drawing parallels to past violent incidents, and raising questions about the financing of such protests. Concerns have also been raised over the presence of domestic protesters, with calls for stricter enforcement and prosecution by the New York Police Department (NYPD). This incident has ignited debates about the nature of protests and the appropriate responses by law enforcement agencies.

UK Economy Contracts Unexpectedly in January

The Guardian,

The UK economy experienced an unexpected contraction of 0.1% in January 2025, driven by declines in the manufacturing and construction sectors. This development poses additional challenges ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spring statement on March 26, amidst ongoing Brexit-induced economic turbulence. In contrast, Germany has seen a notable fiscal development, with incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz securing Green Party support for increased state borrowing and debt rule reforms, buoying European stocks and the euro. In the United States, concerns about the economic impact of President Trump’s trade policies persist, with companies like Tesla warning of potential adverse effects on electric vehicle manufacturers. Additionally, the U.S. has sought egg imports from Denmark amidst domestic shortages. While the stock market showed some rally, overall sentiment remains cautious, notably with Wall Street facing a potential fourth consecutive week of losses amid heightened trade tensions and economic uncertainties. Gold prices have surged, reflecting investor demand for safe-haven assets.

Brazil’s Central Bank Expected to Hike Interest Rates

Reuters,

A Reuters poll indicates that Brazil’s Central Bank is anticipated to increase its benchmark Selic interest rate by 100 basis points, reaching 14.25% on March 19, 2025. This would mark the third consecutive hike of this magnitude in the current tightening cycle. The move, under the direction of newly appointed Governor Gabriel Galipolo, responds to rising inflation, which reached 5.06% last month—the highest rate in over a year. However, the forthcoming monetary policy statement is not expected to provide extensive forward guidance, given the mixed economic outlook. Another rate increase is anticipated in May, with the Selic rate projected to peak at 15.25% in the third quarter of 2025, before gradually declining to 15.00% by the end of 2025 and 12.50% in 2026.Severe Weather and Tornado Outbreaks Impact Central U.S.