A United Nations-backed report has identified heavy social media use as a key factor in a "worrying decline" in the wellbeing of young people across Western nations. The latest World Happiness Report, released on Wednesday, noted that 15 Western countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have experienced significant drops in youth wellbeing over the past two decades.
The governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement for a temporary ceasefire in observance of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the decision, with Afghan authorities subsequently stating they would take a reciprocal step.
Iranian forces have carried out a new series of missile strikes targeting countries in the Persian Gulf region. According to Qatari authorities, on the morning of March 19, one of the world's largest oil and gas complexes in the Ras Laffan Industrial Zone was hit by ballistic missiles. QatarEnergy reported that the facility was attacked twice within 12 hours, resulting in a fire that was later contained. The company stated there was significant material damage but no casualties. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as a "brutal attack" and a threat to national security.
Iran's judiciary announced the execution of three individuals convicted of murdering police officers and carrying out operations in favor of the Israeli regime and the United States during unrest earlier this year, amid the ongoing war now in its 20th day. The judiciary's Mizan Online website stated that those executed were involved in the killing of two law enforcement personnel, highlighting the government's crackdown on alleged foreign collaboration.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East has triggered a fresh energy crisis in the European Union (EU), evoking memories of the 2022 shock following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. EU leaders are set to discuss soaring energy prices and their economic fallout at a summit in Brussels on Thursday, diverting attention from long-term plans to enhance the bloc's competitiveness in a volatile global landscape.
The World Happiness Report 2026, an annual study on happiness and life satisfaction levels, was produced by the University of Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup and the United Nations. The report found that life satisfaction among those under 25 in English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, has fallen sharply over the past decade. This trend is linked to heavy social media usage in Western nations, which is eroding personal well-being among young people, with the report highlighting a concerning decline in happiness metrics.
Asian stock markets fell sharply following attacks on natural gas facilities in Qatar, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, spelling new turmoil for global energy supplies. The incidents delivered a negative shock to markets already grappling with regional instability.
▪️ The sharp rise in oil prices following the US and Israeli attack on Iran poses a serious threat to the global economy. After military actions began on February 28, oil prices exceeded $100 and have recently approached $120. An Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gas field on March 18 and subsequent retaliatory actions pushed crude prices above $108.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to "massively blow up" Iran's South Pars gas field if Tehran continues retaliatory strikes against liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Qatar. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump also promised that Israel would halt its attacks on the gas field, a move that purportedly aims to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that tolerance for its attacks on his country and neighboring Gulf states is limited. He called on Tehran to immediately "recalculate" its strategy, emphasizing the growing regional instability fueled by Iranian aggression.
A police raid in central favela neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro has resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, continuing a trend of deadly operations in Brazil's poor favela communities. Police authorities reported that Wednesday's raid killed Claudio Augusto dos Santos, a commander of the powerful criminal group Comando Vermelho (Red Command), along with six other suspected criminals, while a local resident was reportedly caught in crossfire after being taken hostage.
Civil rights icon Dolores Huerta and other women in the United States have spoken out against sexual violence they allegedly endured at the hands of labour leader Cesar Chavez. Huerta, nearly 96 years old, revealed a 60-year secret, fearing that exposing the truth would harm the farmworker movement she dedicated her life to. She decided to share her experiences after a multi-year investigation by The New York Times, which also involved other women.