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Reading Time : 3 minutesOn May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff. Choosing a name evoking social justice, he pledged a “missionary church” that fosters peace. With roots in Peru and Chicago, Leo XIV blends global experience with reformist zeal, aiming to unite 1.4 billion Catholics while tackling poverty, division, and modern challenges.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at age 88. His funeral drew a global crowd to St. Peter’s Square and marked the end of a humble papacy. In a simple yet profound gesture, he was buried in Santa Maria Maggiore, reflecting his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary and a vision of humility.
Reading Time : 2 minutes The Gilded Age dazzled with wealth but simmered with unrest. Beneath the glamor of tycoons and towering industry was a reality of corruption, labor strikes, and extreme inequality. This era built America’s modern economy but left deep social scars.
Reading Time : 3 minutes Oya stone, a unique volcanic tuff near Utsunomiya, has shaped Japan’s architecture for centuries. From ancient tombs to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel, its history is preserved in the vast Oya History Museum. With mining still ongoing, this storied stone continues to blend cultural heritage, natural beauty, and practical use in modern applications.
Reading Time : 3 minutesThe ICC Berlin, a Brutalist giant from 1979, blends raw concrete with sci-fi flair. Built to showcase West Berlin’s ambition, it closed in 2014 over asbestos woes. Now a listed relic, its future’s unclear—revival or reinvention? A Cold War icon awaits its next act.
Reading Time : 3 minutesTrump’s comments on the Panama Canal have sparked a debate on sovereignty, control, and China’s growing influence, highlighting tensions between U.S. and Panama over this vital maritime route.
Reading Time : 3 minutesFor centuries, the dream of a Nicaraguan canal has persisted, a potential rival to Panama. From Spanish conquistadors to a mysterious Chinese billionaire, the project has faced numerous challenges and failures. Yet, Nicaragua continues to seek a path to build the canal, hoping to finally realize a centuries-old ambition, though its path remains unclear.
Reading Time : 3 minutesThe reopening of Notre-Dame in 2024 marks a historic moment of rebirth. After the 2019 fire, this cathedral has risen anew, a testament to human resilience and craftsmanship. The world watched as Paris unveiled its restored jewel, blending medieval architecture with modern restoration techniques. It’s not just a cathedral; it’s a symbol of hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of France.
Reading Time : 2 minutesArgentina achieved a remarkable $888 million trade surplus in October 2024, rebounding from a $442 million deficit the previous year. This turnaround, driven by a 30% surge in exports from agriculture and manufacturing, reflects the positive impact of President Javier Milei’s libertarian policies aimed at cutting government spending and reducing red tape for businesses.
Reading Time : 2 minutesDive into the Brooklyn Museum’s “Solid Gold” exhibition, a dazzling celebration of gold’s allure, history, and impact. From ancient artifacts to haute couture, this stunning showcase highlights the cultural and environmental narratives surrounding humankind’s obsession with gold. Don’t miss this immersive journey through time, running now until July 6, 2025.
Reading Time : 2 minutesFrom America’s costumed trick-or-treating to Taiwan’s growing Halloween craze, this global celebration has evolved in unique ways. Explore the blend of spooky customs, like Mexico’s Día de Muertos, and quirky tales from Japan to Europe. Halloween has become a cultural phenomenon, mixing eerie fun and heartfelt traditions, capturing imaginations worldwide.
Reading Time : 2 minutesThe 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their pioneering contributions to artificial intelligence. Their early work on neural networks laid the foundation for modern AI, driving advances in deep learning, pattern recognition, and machine learning applications, while sparking crucial ethical discussions around AI’s rapid development and future impact.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated in September, honors Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The festival brings together communities with vibrant processions, intricate statues, and heartfelt rituals. From homes to public spaces, the air is filled with devotion, art, and joy, making it one of India’s most cherished festivals, steeped in tradition and creativity.
Reading Time : 2 minutesGossip and storytelling once played a vital role in helping humans form social bonds and build trust within early communities. These narratives were crucial for cooperation and survival, allowing societies to evolve. However, in today’s world, the rapid spread of information through technology has transformed storytelling into a double-edged sword. Misinformation, divisive narratives, and manipulation have become powerful forces that can undermine social cohesion, leading to polarization and distrust. The challenge now is ensuring stories unite rather than divide us.
Reading Time : 2 minutesThe Euro’s creation in 1999 introduced a new era of economic integration in Europe, but it came with the “no-bailout” clause. This rule, designed to ensure fiscal responsibility, prevented Eurozone countries from bailing out one another. However, the 2008 financial crisis tested this principle, leading to emergency financial support despite the clause. The ongoing debate over its relevance continues to shape the Eurozone’s economic policies. Understanding the “no-bailout” clause is key to grasping the complexities of European financial governance.