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UK and India Seal “Milestone” Trade Agreement Amid Trump's Tariff Threats
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In a significant development, the United Kingdom and India have reached a "milestone" trade deal, marking substantial progress in tariff reduction and elimination. The UK Department for Business and Trade announced in a press release that this agreement stands as "the largest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has struck since leaving the European Union." It forecasts that, in the long run, this pact is set to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion ($34.1 billion) annually.more
Asian Finance Chiefs Warn of Global Economic Rifts from Trade Barriers
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The finance ministers and central bank governors of Asian countries have sounded the alarm over the potential for trade barriers to fracture the global economy in a joint statement following the 28th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting. The meeting, held in Milan, Italy, addressed global and regional macroeconomic situations and financial cooperation within the region.more
Swedish Woman Finds Lost Wedding Ring on Carrot After 16 Years
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In the run-up to Christmas 1995, a Swedish woman lost her wedding ring while cooking. Despite searching everywhere, she couldn’t find it. Sixteen years later, in 2012, she pulled a carrot from her garden and discovered the ring stuck on it.more
Potato Chip Can Inventor’s Ashes Stored in His Own Creation
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Frederick Baur invented the potato chip can in 1966, a design that allowed chips to be neatly stacked. Proud of his creation, he requested before his death that his ashes be placed in one of his own cans.more
Cotton Candy: Invented by a Dentist
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In 1897, dentist William Morrison teamed up with confectioner John C. Wharton to create a cotton candy machine. The treat was first sold publicly in 1904 under the name "Fairy Floss," captivating fairgoers with its light, sugary strands.more
Shakespeare’s Epitaph Carries a Curse to Ward Off Grave Robbers
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William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52, and was buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. His epitaph, inscribed on his tombstone, serves as a stern warning to potential grave robbers:more
New Orleans Hotel Offered $15,000 in Free Stays for Return of "Most Outrageous Stolen Items"
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In March 2019, to celebrate its 125th anniversary, New Orleans’ Roosevelt Hotel launched a unique promotion: a prize package worth $15,000, including seven nights in a presidential suite, a private dinner, and spa treatments. The catch? It was only awarded to whoever returned the "most outrageous item" ever stolen from the hotel.more
Miami University Isn’t in Miami—It’s in Ohio
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Miami University may sound like it’s in Florida’s sun-soaked Miami, but it’s actually located in Oxford, Ohio, near Cincinnati—thousands of miles from the coastal city. Founded in 1809, it ranks among America’s 30 oldest universities.more
The Longest Country Name in History Belonged to a Defunct Nation
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The longest country name ever recorded was that of a now-defunct state: the "Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya." This lengthy title, used from 1977 to 2011, reflected the political ideology and structure under Muammar Gaddafi’s rule.more
Finland: A Top Immigration Destination with Strong Welfare and High Value
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Finland stands out as an ideal immigration spot for many foreign families, thanks to its high-level social welfare, sustainable environment, stable society, and excellent education and healthcare systems. These factors collectively create a desirable living environment.more
Pakistan's Economic Crisis: A Nation Struggling to Survive
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Pakistan, a South Asian nation with vast lands and nearly 240 million people, faces severe economic hardships, leaving millions of families in dire straits. The World Bank reports nearly a quarter of its population lives below the poverty line, with many households earning less than $100 monthly. Its GDP per capita stands at $1,461, while rising living costs make daily expenses unmanageable.more
Nepal’s Struggle Amidst Splendor: Poverty and Inequality in the Himalayas
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Nestled in the Himalayas, Nepal—once a South Asian power and birthplace of Buddhism—now grapples with stark poverty. Despite its rich cultural heritage, the country faces severe economic challenges, with a 2024 GDP per capita of $1,436 , leaving many households surviving on just $100 monthly. Over a quarter of its population lives below the poverty line, while rising living costs exacerbate daily hardships .more