Libre News of The World

On this episode of Libre News of the World Express edition, Canada braces for a pivotal election with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals pulling slightly ahead amid rising nationalist sentiment and friction with the U.S. (for more information visit The Washington Post). Meanwhile, President Trump faces mounting domestic controversies even as he engages internationally at Pope Francis's funeral and meets Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy (for more information visit The Washington Post). Trump also stirred tensions by demanding free passage for U.S. ships through the Panama and Suez Canals, challenging long-standing maritime agreements (for more information visit The Wall Street Journal). The International Monetary Fund revised downward its Caribbean growth forecast, citing global pressures and tighter financing (for more information visit Reuters). In Brazil, the Central Bank left the door open to a possible May interest rate hike amid ongoing inflation uncertainty (for more information visit Bloomberg). Colombia celebrated a major drop in multidimensional poverty according to DANE, although challenges persist for vulnerable groups (for more information visit El Tiempo). Chile accelerated approval of lithium projects to meet global demand, partnering with firms like Eramet, Quiborax, and Codelco (for more information visit Reuters). Argentina entered a period of national mourning as Pope Francis was laid to rest, with tributes led by San Lorenzo football club (for more information visit La Nación). China moved to boost tourism by slashing tax refund thresholds for foreign shoppers (for more information visit South China Morning Post). A 6.7 magnitude earthquake rocked New Zealand’s South Island, prompting evacuations and causing major infrastructure damage (for more information visit The New Zealand Herald). In monetary news, the Bank of Japan weighs delaying rate hikes amid global tariff tensions (for more information visit Reuters). Lee Jae-myung surged to the front in South Korea’s snap presidential race after Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment (for more information visit The Korea Times). In Vietnam, Dong Nai province launched the country’s largest hot air balloon festival, blending culture and spectacle (for more information visit Vietnam News). Namibia announced free university education beginning in 2026, a historic investment in youth and national opportunity (for more information visit The Namibian). In Turkey, peace talks with the PKK are back on the table after Abdullah Öcalan called for disarmament (for more information visit Al Jazeera). Saudi Aramco expanded investments into synthetic e-fuels to extend the life of combustion engines (for more information visit Financial Times). A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port caused massive casualties and damage, blamed on negligent handling of chemicals (for more information visit Al Jazeera). The Gaza conflict worsened as the death toll climbed over 52,000, with humanitarian conditions rapidly deteriorating (for more information visit Al Jazeera). France announced a sweeping public sector reform aiming to cut billions in spending by merging or dissolving state agencies (for more information visit Le Monde). Pope Francis was laid to rest with a modest ceremony attended by world leaders at Santa Maria Maggiore (for more information visit Vatican News). Spain committed €1.3 billion to industrialized social housing construction to ease its housing crisis (for more information visit El País). Portugal’s euthanasia law hit a new roadblock after the Constitutional Court found several elements unconstitutional (for more information visit Público). Birmingham battled a severe rat infestation fueled by a prolonged bin workers' strike (for more information visit The Guardian). In Ireland, concerns grew over plans to introduce pepper spray into the prison system amid overcrowding (for more information visit The Irish Times). Germany sought an EU borrowing exemption to ramp up defense spending without breaching fiscal rules (for more information visit Deutsche Welle). Norway’s political temperature continued to rise ahead of the parliamentary elections, with economic and security debates dominating (for more information visit The Local Norway). Iceland fast-tracked its defense policy review amid growing global instability (for more information visit Iceland Review). Travel disruptions worsened between India and Uzbekistan after Pakistan’s airspace closure following the Pahalgam attack (for more information visit The Times of India). Russia claimed full control over the Kursk region with North Korean troop support, although Ukraine disputed these claims (for more information visit Reuters). Ukraine rejected a U.S. peace plan that proposed recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea, defending its territorial integrity (for more information visit The Kyiv Independent). And finally, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in response to a deadly terrorist attack, raising fears of regional escalation (for more information visit The Hindu).

On this episode of Libre News of The World Super Express edition, Canada edges closer to a historic election as nationalist sentiment surges, with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals pulling ahead of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre amid mounting U.S. tensions (for more information visit The Washington Post). Meanwhile, President Donald Trump faces intensifying domestic crises even as he engages globally at Pope Francis’s funeral and in talks with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy (for more information visit The Washington Post). Trump also demands free transit for U.S. ships through the Panama and Suez Canals, challenging long-standing international norms (for more information visit The Wall Street Journal). The IMF has downgraded its Caribbean economic outlook to 2.0% growth amid rising global financial pressures (for more information visit Reuters). Brazil’s Central Bank signals a possible rate hike in May, citing persistent inflationary pressures (for more information visit Bloomberg). Colombia celebrates a sharp drop in multidimensional poverty, though rural and minority challenges remain (for more information visit El Tiempo). Chile fast-tracks lithium projects to meet global electric vehicle demand, collaborating with firms like Eramet and Codelco (for more information visit Reuters). In Argentina, thousands mourn Pope Francis in Buenos Aires, with tributes from San Lorenzo football club (for more information visit La Nación). China slashes tax refund thresholds for tourists to boost spending and counteract slowing growth (for more information visit South China Morning Post). In New Zealand, a powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake strikes the South Island, triggering evacuations and widespread damage (for more information visit The New Zealand Herald). The Bank of Japan faces tough choices, potentially delaying interest rate hikes amid rising global tariff tensions (for more information visit Reuters). In South Korea, Lee Jae-myung surges as the clear favorite in the presidential race following President Yoon’s removal (for more information visit The Korea Times). Vietnam hosts its largest hot air balloon festival in Dong Nai, blending tradition and spectacle (for more information visit Vietnam News). Namibia’s new president promises free university education starting in 2026, in a landmark social reform (for more information visit The Namibian). Turkey and the PKK move toward renewed peace talks following Abdullah Öcalan’s dramatic call for disarmament (for more information visit Al Jazeera). Saudi Aramco invests heavily in synthetic e-fuels to keep combustion engines alive amid the EV boom (for more information visit Financial Times). Iran’s Bandar Abbas port suffers a catastrophic explosion, killing dozens, blamed on negligent handling of missile fuel components (for more information visit Al Jazeera). The Gaza conflict worsens, with the death toll surpassing 52,000 and humanitarian conditions spiraling (for more information visit Al Jazeera). France announces a sweeping plan to merge or eliminate a third of its state agencies to rein in public spending (for more information visit Le Monde). Pope Francis is laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, with world leaders attending his modest funeral (for more information visit Vatican News). Spain invests €1.3 billion to boost industrialized social housing construction amid a housing shortage (for more information visit El País). Portugal’s euthanasia law remains stalled after Constitutional Court objections to key safeguards (for more information visit Público). Birmingham faces a worsening rat infestation amid a prolonged bin workers’ strike (for more information visit The Guardian). In Ireland, a Justice Department report advises against widespread use of pepper spray in overcrowded prisons (for more information visit The Irish Times). Germany eyes an EU exemption to dramatically increase defense spending without breaching fiscal rules (for more information visit Deutsche Welle). Norway’s political scene heats up ahead of parliamentary elections, with economic reforms and security dominating debates (for more information visit The Local Norway). Iceland accelerates its defense policy review in response to growing global instability (for more information visit Iceland Review). Flights between India and Central Asia are canceled as Pakistan closes its airspace following the Kashmir attack (for more information visit The Times of India). Russia claims to have retaken the Kursk region with support from North Korean troops, though Ukraine disputes the extent (for more information visit Reuters). Ukraine firmly rejects a U.S. peace proposal involving recognition of Crimea under Russian control (for more information visit The Kyiv Independent). Finally, India suspends the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in a dramatic escalation following the Kashmir attack (for more information visit The Hindu).
These news summaries were written using AI technology. While every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy, occasional mistakes or omissions may occur. Your understanding is appreciated, and we warmly welcome any feedback to help us continue improving the quality of our reporting. Thank you for being part of our journey!

On this episode of Under The Lights, Lady Gaga’s "Mayhem" tour ignited global stages with monumental shows in Mexico City and a free concert in Rio de Janeiro expected to draw over 1.5 million fans (for more information visit Live Nation Entertainment). Meanwhile, the Stagecoach Festival 2025 dazzled Indio, California, with performances by Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs, Lana Del Rey, Backstreet Boys, and Nelly (for more information visit USA Today). Katy Perry made history performing "What a Wonderful World" during Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission and unveiled her new tour setlist (for more information visit ABC News). Helen Flanagan expressed her wish to return to Coronation Street as Rosie Webster (for more information visit The Sun). Sinners claimed the top spot at the box office, dethroning A Minecraft Movie (for more information visit The Atlanta Voice). JoJo Siwa ended her relationship with Kath Ebbs following flirtations with Chris Hughes during Celebrity Big Brother UK (for more information visit The Daily Telegraph). Nicola Coughlan and Jake Dunn made their red carpet debut at the BAFTA Television Awards nominees party (for more information visit The Sunday World). Travis and Jason Kelce enjoyed a night out in Las Vegas with Justin Timberlake ahead of the 8AM Golf Invitational (for more information visit People). Wayfair’s Way Day sale launched celebrity-inspired decor, reflecting styles from Anne Hathaway, Lenny Kravitz, and Kim Kardashian (for more information visit Page Six). Birthday celebrations included Willie Nelson (92), Jay Leno (75), Jerry Seinfeld (71), Michelle Pfeiffer (67), Uma Thurman (55), and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (53) (for more information visit Associated Press). Journalist Bernard Bale faced scrutiny as several celebrity interviews he published were disputed by representatives (for more information visit The Guardian). Katy Perry addressed backlash over her Blue Origin flight at her "Lifetimes" tour kickoff in Mexico City (for more information visit Page Six). Jack P. Shepherd was crowned winner of Celebrity Big Brother 2025, surpassing Danny Beard, JoJo Siwa, and Donna Preston (for more information visit The Sun). Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars USA Season 34 (for more information visit ABC News). Michelle Pfeiffer was honored at the TCM Classic Film Festival with a handprint and footprint ceremony attended by Elle and Dakota Fanning (for more information visit People). Finally, the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner shifted to a more serious tone, cancelling comedian Amber Ruffin’s performance to focus on journalistic excellence and mentoring future reporters (for more information visit The Guardian).
These news summaries were written using AI technology. While every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy, occasional mistakes or omissions may occur. Your understanding is appreciated, and we warmly welcome any feedback to help us continue improving the quality of our reporting. Thank you for being part of our journey!

On this episode of A Week in The Arts, we explore a dynamic tapestry of global creativity and innovation. The Dutch National Opera’s radical reinterpretation of Richard Strauss’s Die Frau ohne Schatten, directed by Katie Mitchell as a feminist sci-fi thriller, earned praise for its striking visuals and thematic depth, though some critics noted vocal challenges due to orchestral placement (Financial Times, https://www.ft.com). Meanwhile, Pamela Anderson made a striking return to the stage in Tennessee Williams’ surreal drama Camino Real at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, starring alongside Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Whitney Peak in a production praised for its bold casting and atmospheric direction (People.com, https://people.com). Over in Los Angeles, Heidi Hahn’s Not Your Woman opened at Michael Kohn Gallery, presenting deeply layered oil paintings that challenge traditional depictions of the female form (Vogue, https://www.vogue.com). In the fashion-tech frontier, researchers including Che Connon and Thomas Mitchell are developing lab-grown T. rex leather handbags, a concept poised to revolutionize sustainable luxury (The Times, https://www.thetimes.co.uk). The digital art market is also booming, projected to grow from $5.8 billion in 2025 to $11.8 billion by 2030, fueled by advancements in AI, VR, and platforms like Procreate and Artstation (Mordor Intelligence, https://www.mordorintelligence.com). At Kyotographie 2025, artists such as JR, Laetitia Ky, Lee Shulman, Omar Victor Diop, Mao Ishikawa, and Graciela Iturbide explore the theme of “humanity” through stunning visual narratives across Kyoto’s historic venues (The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com). Lastly, Lola Young leads the 2025 Ivor Novello Award nominations with her hit single “Messy” and acclaimed album This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway, standing out alongside Charli XCX, Ghetts, and Raye in a celebration of UK songwriting excellence (The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com).

On this episode of Libre News of The World, we covered several key updates. First, we reported on the ongoing volcanic activity in Iceland, where the eighth eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula series occurred on April 1, 2025, in the Sundhnúksgígar crater chain. The eruption, which lasted for about seven hours, led to the evacuation of the town of Grindavík and the closure of the Blue Lagoon spa. While the eruption was less intense, the situation remains closely monitored by authorities (For more information, visit The Times). Moving on to the economic implications of U.S. trade policy, we explored the impact of President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, which threatens to disrupt Ireland’s economy. With 61% of Ireland's €73 billion exports to the U.S. being pharmaceuticals, these tariffs pose a serious risk to Ireland's fiscal stability (For more information, visit Politico). Additionally, we reported on Uzbekistan’s selection to host the 2026 Space Technology Conference (STC2026), which was announced at the STC2025 event in Baku. Mukhiddin Ibragimov of the UzSpace Agency invited international participants, emphasizing Uzbekistan’s growing role in space exploration and technology (For more information, visit Daryo.uz). Lastly, we covered the recent developments in Sweden’s alcohol laws, as the government allows microbreweries, vineyards, and distilleries to sell their products directly to visitors starting in June 2025, as part of a six-year trial aimed at boosting local beverage tourism (For more information, visit Le Monde). These stories highlight ongoing global challenges and innovations shaping economic, environmental, and technological landscapes across the globe.

On this episode of Libre News of The World Express Edition, we covered a series of significant global updates. First, we reported on the latest volcanic eruption in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, which marked the eighth eruption in the ongoing series since December 2023. The eruption, which occurred on April 1, 2025, in the Sundhnúksgígar crater chain, led to the evacuation of Grindavík and the closure of the Blue Lagoon spa, although it was less intense than previous events. Authorities continue to monitor the situation (For more information, visit The Times). We also discussed the impact of U.S. tariffs on Ireland's economy, as President Trump considers imposing tariffs on pharmaceutical imports. With 61% of Ireland's €73 billion exports to the U.S. coming from the pharmaceutical sector, these tariffs threaten to undermine the country's fiscal stability, potentially ending a decade of economic growth (For more information, visit Politico). In another major update, Uzbekistan was chosen to host the 2026 Space Technology Conference (STC2026), announced at the STC2025 event in Baku. Mukhiddin Ibragimov, Deputy Director of the UzSpace Agency, highlighted Uzbekistan’s growing influence in space exploration, marking a significant step in the country’s development in space technology (For more information, visit Daryo.uz). Finally, we covered Sweden's move to relax its alcohol laws, allowing microbreweries, vineyards, and distilleries to sell their products directly to visitors. This change, starting in June 2025, is part of a trial to boost local beverage industries and tourism while maintaining public health safeguards (For more information, visit Le Monde). These stories shed light on critical developments across various sectors and regions, shaping the future of global policy, industry, and innovation.

On this episode of Libre News of The World Super Express Edition, we bring you the latest global developments. First, we reported on the eighth volcanic eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula series in Iceland, which took place on April 1, 2025, in the Sundhnúksgígar crater chain. This eruption, although less intense than previous ones, led to the evacuation of Grindavík and the temporary closure of the Blue Lagoon spa. The situation is still under close monitoring by local authorities (For more information, visit The Times). Moving on to economic matters, we explored the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on Ireland’s economy. The proposed tariffs on pharmaceutical imports threaten Ireland’s export-heavy economy, as 61% of the country’s €73 billion exports to the U.S. are pharmaceutical products. This could significantly disrupt Ireland’s economic growth, which has been thriving for over a decade (For more information, visit Politico). In space exploration news, Uzbekistan was selected to host the 2026 Space Technology Conference (STC2026), announced at the STC2025 event in Baku. Mukhiddin Ibragimov of the UzSpace Agency extended an invitation to international participants, emphasizing Uzbekistan’s growing role in space exploration and technology (For more information, visit Daryo.uz). Lastly, we reported on Sweden’s relaxation of alcohol laws, allowing microbreweries, vineyards, and distilleries to sell their products directly to visitors starting in June 2025. This new policy, part of a six-year trial, aims to boost local beverage industries and tourism while maintaining public health safeguards (For more information, visit Le Monde). These stories offer a glimpse into the significant shifts in global economies, industries, and scientific advancements.

On this episode of Libre News of the World, we journey across continents to uncover the most pivotal global developments shaping economies, conflicts, diplomacy, and environmental decisions. We begin in India, where private sector business activity surged to an eight-month high in April, driven by a sharp increase in export orders and robust job creation in manufacturing. The HSBC Flash India Composite PMI rose to 60.0, reflecting strong economic momentum, though services confidence dipped slightly (Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-private-sector-business-activity-surges-8-month-high-april-pmi-2025-04-23/). In Europe, Germany's economy faltered again as the HCOB flash composite PMI dropped to 49.7, marking a renewed contraction due to weakened services and trade tensions with the U.S. (Handelsblatt: https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/konjunktur-deutschlands-wirtschaft-im-april-wieder-geschrumpft/100044243.html). Meanwhile, the UK saw its sharpest private sector contraction in over two years, with a PMI reading of 48.2 and mounting concerns over export orders and employment taxes triggering talks of a potential Bank of England rate cut (The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/23/uk-business-activity-contracts-april-global-trade-pmi). In Portugal, the caretaker government has requested the activation of the EU’s fiscal escape clause to raise defense spending without breaching deficit limits, joining EU efforts to reach NATO's 2% GDP benchmark (Diário de Notícias: https://www.dn.pt/politica/portugal-pede-flexibilizacao-orcamental-para-gastos-com-defesa-18428947.html). Spain has already taken that step, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announcing a €10.5 billion increase in defense expenditure to reach NATO targets by 2025 (El País: https://elpais.com/espana/2025-04-22/sanchez-eleva-el-gasto-en-defensa-para-cumplir-la-meta-de-la-otan-en-2025.html). Across the Atlantic, Brazil’s cocoa industry is set for a transformation, as entrepreneur Moisés Schmidt launches a $300 million industrial-scale farm aiming to meet surging global demand and counter West African shortages (Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/brazils-would-be-cocoa-king-aims-revolutionize-industry-with-giant-farm-2025-04-22/). In Africa, the IMF urged proactive debt restructuring, introducing a new framework with the World Bank to assist struggling nations, as growth forecasts were revised downward to 3.9% for 2025 (Bloomberg Africa: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-22/imf-urges-faster-africa-debt-revamps-as-growth-outlook-darkens). From Eurasia, Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek traveled to Washington to reassure investors of Turkey’s economic stability after a surprise interest rate hike and growing political unrest (Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/2f5babc7-7a20-4c17-bf3d-ec18c28757b0). Meanwhile, China and Saudi Arabia signed a sweeping energy and defense cooperation pact during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Riyadh, deepening bilateral ties through oil, gas, agriculture, and counter-terrorism initiatives (The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-saudi-arabia-deepen-energy-defence-ties/article67849547.ece). Tensions simmered further as Ukraine accused China of indirectly aiding Russia’s war effort through alleged drone support and unauthorized tech transfers, which Beijing firmly denied (Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-says-chinese-citizens-working-drone-production-site-russia-2025-04-22/). Finally, Iceland’s only whaling company, Hvalur hf., canceled its 2025 fin whale hunt amid market collapse and shifting public sentiment, signaling a potential end to commercial whaling in the region (Iceland Review: https://www.icelandreview.com/news/icelands-only-whaling-company-cancels-2025-hunt/). Stay tuned as Libre News of the World continues to bring you the stories reshaping our planet.

On this episode of Libre News of The World Express edition, we span the globe to deliver the most significant headlines shaping politics, markets, and diplomacy. In India, business activity surged to an eight-month high in April, fueled by booming export orders and record-high manufacturing employment. The HSBC Flash India Composite PMI climbed to 60.0, reflecting the strongest private sector performance since August (Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-private-sector-business-activity-surges-8-month-high-april-pmi-2025-04-23/). Germany, by contrast, saw a contraction as its composite PMI fell to 49.7, underscoring the toll trade tensions and sluggish services are taking on Europe’s largest economy (Handelsblatt: https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/konjunktur-deutschlands-wirtschaft-im-april-wieder-geschrumpft/100044243.html). Across the Channel, the UK economy also faltered, with its PMI dropping to 48.2 and economists now predicting a 0.3% quarterly decline (The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/23/uk-business-activity-contracts-april-global-trade-pmi). Portugal has requested the EU activate its fiscal escape clause to boost defense spending without breaching deficit rules—part of a wider EU trend toward military rearmament amid geopolitical pressures (Diário de Notícias: https://www.dn.pt/politica/portugal-pede-flexibilizacao-orcamental-para-gastos-com-defesa-18428947.html). Spain is following suit with a €10.5 billion military spending boost to meet NATO targets ahead of schedule (El País: https://elpais.com/espana/2025-04-22/sanchez-eleva-el-gasto-en-defensa-para-cumplir-la-meta-de-la-otan-en-2025.html). In Brazil, a $300 million cocoa mega-farm project led by Moisés Schmidt aims to reshape the global chocolate market as West African production slumps (Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/brazils-would-be-cocoa-king-aims-revolutionize-industry-with-giant-farm-2025-04-22/). The IMF has issued a call for faster debt restructuring in Africa, as it revises the region’s 2025 growth forecast to just 3.9% (Bloomberg Africa: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-22/imf-urges-faster-africa-debt-revamps-as-growth-outlook-darkens). In Turkey, Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek sought to calm investors during meetings in Washington, amid turbulence sparked by a surprise interest rate hike and mounting political strain (Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/2f5babc7-7a20-4c17-bf3d-ec18c28757b0). Meanwhile, India and Saudi Arabia deepened their strategic relationship, signing new agreements on energy and defense during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Riyadh (The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-saudi-arabia-deepen-energy-defence-ties/article67849547.ece). Tensions flared as Ukraine accused China of indirectly assisting Russia’s war effort, alleging Chinese nationals were working in Russian drone facilities. Beijing has denied the claims, but diplomatic strains are intensifying (Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-says-chinese-citizens-working-drone-production-site-russia-2025-04-22/). And in a major environmental milestone, Iceland’s only whaling company has canceled its 2025 season for a second consecutive year, citing market collapse and growing public opposition (Iceland Review: https://www.icelandreview.com/news/icelands-only-whaling-company-cancels-2025-hunt/). That wraps our Express edition—your fast track to the world’s most vital headlines.

On this episode of Libre News of The World Super Express edition, we zoom across the globe to unpack a fast-moving day of headline developments and shifting geopolitics. In India, business optimism surged as private sector activity reached an eight-month high in April, driven by a jump in export orders and record manufacturing job growth, with the HSBC Composite PMI hitting 60.0 (Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-private-sector-business-activity-surges-8-month-high-april-pmi-2025-04-23/). Meanwhile, the economic mood in Europe was starkly different. Germany’s private sector slipped back into contraction, dragged down by weak service performance and trade headwinds, with the composite PMI dipping to 49.7 (Handelsblatt: https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/konjunktur-deutschlands-wirtschaft-im-april-wieder-geschrumpft/100044243.html), and the UK recorded its sharpest downturn in over two years, with a PMI of 48.2 and concerns mounting over tax burdens and shrinking exports (The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/23/uk-business-activity-contracts-april-global-trade-pmi). Portugal is seeking fiscal leeway from the EU to increase defense spending without penalties, tapping into a continent-wide military rearmament trend (Diário de Notícias: https://www.dn.pt/politica/portugal-pede-flexibilizacao-orcamental-para-gastos-com-defesa-18428947.html). Spain is ahead of the curve, pledging €10.5 billion more in military investment to hit NATO targets early (El País: https://elpais.com/espana/2025-04-22/sanchez-eleva-el-gasto-en-defensa-para-cumplir-la-meta-de-la-otan-en-2025.html). In Brazil, a $300 million mega-farm aims to revolutionize cocoa production as West Africa struggles, offering a glimpse into a new agricultural future (Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/brazils-would-be-cocoa-king-aims-revolutionize-industry-with-giant-farm-2025-04-22/). Across Africa, the IMF is pushing for faster debt restructuring to contain risks as growth expectations are revised to 3.9% for 2025 (Bloomberg Africa: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-22/imf-urges-faster-africa-debt-revamps-as-growth-outlook-darkens). Turkey’s Finance Minister traveled to the U.S. to assure markets that the country’s economic program remains on track, despite soaring interest rates and domestic political tension (Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/2f5babc7-7a20-4c17-bf3d-ec18c28757b0). In Riyadh, India and Saudi Arabia inked key agreements on energy and defense, deepening bilateral cooperation during Prime Minister Modi’s visit (The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-saudi-arabia-deepen-energy-defence-ties/article67849547.ece). Meanwhile, Ukraine accused China of aiding Russia’s military by allowing Chinese nationals to work at a drone production facility—claims Beijing denies as tensions continue to rise (Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-says-chinese-citizens-working-drone-production-site-russia-2025-04-22/). And finally, in a move welcomed by conservationists, Iceland’s sole whaling firm canceled its fin whale hunt for the second straight year, citing market collapse and public pressure (Iceland Review: https://www.icelandreview.com/news/icelands-only-whaling-company-cancels-2025-hunt/). Stay with us for more breaking coverage on Libre News of The World Super Express edition.