Germany’s hiring outlook has fallen to its lowest in four years, a stark sign of Europe’s economic challenges. According to the IFO institute’s October report, the employment barometer dipped, indicating weakened hiring sentiment across German industries.

German Hiring Plans Hit 4-year Low

Europe's real estate market is experiencing a significant slowdown. After a period of rising borrowing costs, deals in the first quarter of 2024 plunged to their lowest level in 13 years.

Europe's real estate hits 13-yr low

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's approval rating takes a hit, approval ratings hit an all-time low. Watch this report to know more.

UK: Trouble mounts for UK PM Rishi Sunak

The dollar climbed on Wednesday in the wake of more strong U.S. economic data, nudging the Japanese yen to a 34-year low and into the zone that drew official market intervention in 2022.

The yen traded at 151.97 per dollar in the Asia session, down about 0.2% and weaker than 151.94 where Japanese authorities stepped in during October 2022 to buy the currency and its weakest level since the middle of 1990.

For the quarter ending later this week the yen is the worst-performing major, down more than 7% on the dollar even after Japan's exit last week from negative interest rates.

Officials have been making near daily warnings against speculative moves and markets are jittery about a test of 152 per dollar as Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said Japan won't rule out any steps if it thinks the yen is falling too fast.

"The market is very sensitive to the 152 area," said National Australia Bank strategist Rodrigo Catril.

"If we were to break that level then recent history would suggest that intervention would be much more likely."

BOJ policymaker Naoki Tamura said on Wednesday the central bank must proceed slowly but steadily toward normalising its policies - seemingly giving the yen a little push weaker.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nikkei-225-surpasses-40000-mark-amid-historic-rally-in-japanese-stock-market-696288">Nikkei 225 surpasses 40,000 mark amid historic rally in Japanese stock market</a>

The move set the dollar higher more broadly, with the Chinese yuan and New Zealand dollar sold very close to four-month lows.

The yuan weakened to 7.2285 per dollar despite a strong fix of its trading band by the central bank. The New Zealand dollar &lt;NZD=&gt; fell 0.2% to $0.5988. New Zealand's Treasury revised its economic growth forecasts lower on Tuesday.

Australian data published in the morning showed inflation holding at a two-year low of 3.4% in February, reinforcing market wagers that the next move in interest rates would be down. The Aussie slipped 0.3% to $0.6515.

It is down 4.4% for the quarter. Other moves in Asia were kept in check as markets wait for Friday's release of U.S. core inflation data.

Overnight data showed a bigger-than-expected jump in U.S. durable goods orders in February. While that only partly made up for a large drop in January and came with sub-par consumer confidence data, it pushed the dollar up a little bit.

The euro, at $1.0825 is more or less in the middle of a range it has kept for a year and is down 1.9% for a quarter where expectations for U.S. rate cuts have been scaled back.

Watch:&nbsp;Kanda: Yen's weakness does not reflect the fundamentals

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kanda-yens-weakness-does-not-reflect-the-fundamentals-703966/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Swiss franc, still reeling from a surprise rate cut in Switzerland last week, fell about 0.5% on the dollar to a four-month low of 0.9042 overnight.

It is down about 7% for the first quarter of the year. The U.S. dollar index is up 3% for the quarter to 104.4.

Sterling was steady at $1.2621 and was broadly steady for the quarter, too, down just 0.8%.

On Tuesday Bank of England policymaker Catherine Mann said she changed her mind to vote for a rate hold last week, instead of a hike, due to consumers turning more stingy. But she still believes financial markets have too many cuts priced in.

The dollar climbed on Wednesday in the wake of more strong U.S. economic data, nudging the Japanese yen to a 34-year low and into the zone that drew official market intervention in 2022.

The dollar climbed on Wednesday in the wake of more strong U.S. economic data, nudging the Japanese yen to a 34-year low and into the zone that drew official market intervention in 2022. The yen traded at 151.97 per dollar in the Asia session, down about 0.2% and weaker than 151.94 where Japanese authorities stepped in during October 2022 to buy the currency and its weakest level since the middle of 1990. For the quarter ending later this week the yen is the worst-performing major, down more than 7% on the dollar even after Japan's exit last week from negative interest rates. Officials have been making near daily warnings against speculative moves and markets are jittery about a test of 152 per dollar as Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said Japan won't rule out any steps if it thinks the yen is falling too fast. "The market is very sensitive to the 152 area," said National Australia Bank strategist Rodrigo Catril. "If we were to break that level then recent history would suggest that intervention would be much more likely." BOJ policymaker Naoki Tamura said on Wednesday the central bank must proceed slowly but steadily toward normalising its policies - seemingly giving the yen a little push weaker. Also Read: Nikkei 225 surpasses 40,000 mark amid historic rally in Japanese stock market The move set the dollar higher more broadly, with the Chinese yuan and New Zealand dollar sold very close to four-month lows. The yuan weakened to 7.2285 per dollar despite a strong fix of its trading band by the central bank. The New Zealand dollar <NZD=> fell 0.2% to $0.5988. New Zealand's Treasury revised its economic growth forecasts lower on Tuesday. Australian data published in the morning showed inflation holding at a two-year low of 3.4% in February, reinforcing market wagers that the next move in interest rates would be down. The Aussie slipped 0.3% to $0.6515. It is down 4.4% for the quarter. Other moves in Asia were kept in check as markets wait for Friday's release of U.S. core inflation data. Overnight data showed a bigger-than-expected jump in U.S. durable goods orders in February. While that only partly made up for a large drop in January and came with sub-par consumer confidence data, it pushed the dollar up a little bit. The euro, at $1.0825 is more or less in the middle of a range it has kept for a year and is down 1.9% for a quarter where expectations for U.S. rate cuts have been scaled back. Watch: Kanda: Yen's weakness does not reflect the fundamentals The Swiss franc, still reeling from a surprise rate cut in Switzerland last week, fell about 0.5% on the dollar to a four-month low of 0.9042 overnight. It is down about 7% for the first quarter of the year. The U.S. dollar index is up 3% for the quarter to 104.4. Sterling was steady at $1.2621 and was broadly steady for the quarter, too, down just 0.8%. On Tuesday Bank of England policymaker Catherine Mann said she changed her mind to vote for a rate hold last week, instead of a hike, due to consumers turning more stingy. But she still believes financial markets have too many cuts priced in.

Yen hits 34-yr low ahead of key US inflation test

The Amazon River, a lifeline of the Brazilian rain forest, has plummeted to its lowest level in more than a century, as a severe drought disrupts the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and wreaks havoc on the jungle's fragile ecosystem.

Rapidly dwindling tributaries have left boats stranded, cutting off essential supplies to remote villages and decimating the river's biodiversity, including the population of endangered river dolphins.

The port city of Manaus, at the confluence of the Rio Negro and the Amazon River, has recorded historically low water levels, posing a dire situation for the region's most populous city.

Villagers in the heart of the Amazon rainforest have been grappling with months of relentless drought.&nbsp;

<h2>Historic low water levels</h2>

The situation is deeply alarming, with the port of Manaus measuring a mere 13.59 meters (44.6 ft) of water on a Monday compared to 17.60 meters just a year ago.

This record low is the lowest level registered since the commencement of record-keeping in 1902, surpassing the previous all-time low in 2010. The implications of such a drastic drop in water levels are extensive, touching upon transportation, agriculture, and health.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-longest-river-nile-might-be-just-months-away-from-losing-its-title-641776">Also read |&nbsp;World’s longest river Nile might be just months away from losing its title</a>

The Brazilian government's disaster alert centre, Cemaden, has noted that some areas of the Amazon have experienced the driest period from July to September since 1980.

The Brazilian Science Ministry attributes this dire situation to the onset of the El Niño climate phenomenon, which has caused extreme weather patterns globally.

It anticipates that the drought will persist at least until December when El Niño's effects are expected to peak. This has created a severe predicament, impacting not only the immediate environment but also the livelihoods of thousands of people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-dolphins-found-dead-in-amazon-as-water-temperature-soars-to-39degc-641437">Also read |&nbsp;Over 100 dolphins found dead in Amazon as water temperature soars to 39°C</a>

<h2>Impact on local communities</h2>

The drought's impact is acutely felt by local communities, affecting the lives of 481,000 people as of the most recent data.

Isolation due to dried-up river channels has hindered the transportation of essential supplies, including food, clean water, and medicines. While some areas remain reachable by canoe, many boats have been unable to navigate the receding waters, leading to a reliance on tractors or foot travel to deliver goods.

In addition to logistical challenges, the drought has posed severe health risks to residents. Reduced water levels have raised concerns about the cleanliness of local water supplies. The scarcity of clean water has led to health issues among the community's children, with instances of diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever due to waterborne diseases becoming more frequent.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The Amazon River, a lifeline of the Brazilian rain forest, has plummeted to its lowest level in more than a century, as a severe drought disrupts the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and wreaks havoc on the jungle's fragile ecosystem.

The Amazon River, a lifeline of the Brazilian rain forest, has plummeted to its lowest level in more than a century, as a severe drought disrupts the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and wreaks havoc on the jungle's fragile ecosystem. Rapidly dwindling tributaries have left boats stranded, cutting off essential supplies to remote villages and decimating the river's biodiversity, including the population of endangered river dolphins. The port city of Manaus, at the confluence of the Rio Negro and the Amazon River, has recorded historically low water levels, posing a dire situation for the region's most populous city. Villagers in the heart of the Amazon rainforest have been grappling with months of relentless drought. Historic low water levels The situation is deeply alarming, with the port of Manaus measuring a mere 13.59 meters (44.6 ft) of water on a Monday compared to 17.60 meters just a year ago. This record low is the lowest level registered since the commencement of record-keeping in 1902, surpassing the previous all-time low in 2010. The implications of such a drastic drop in water levels are extensive, touching upon transportation, agriculture, and health. Also read | World’s longest river Nile might be just months away from losing its title The Brazilian government's disaster alert centre, Cemaden, has noted that some areas of the Amazon have experienced the driest period from July to September since 1980. The Brazilian Science Ministry attributes this dire situation to the onset of the El Niño climate phenomenon, which has caused extreme weather patterns globally. It anticipates that the drought will persist at least until December when El Niño's effects are expected to peak. This has created a severe predicament, impacting not only the immediate environment but also the livelihoods of thousands of people. Also read | Over 100 dolphins found dead in Amazon as water temperature soars to 39°C Impact on local communities The drought's impact is acutely felt by local communities, affecting the lives of 481,000 people as of the most recent data. Isolation due to dried-up river channels has hindered the transportation of essential supplies, including food, clean water, and medicines. While some areas remain reachable by canoe, many boats have been unable to navigate the receding waters, leading to a reliance on tractors or foot travel to deliver goods. In addition to logistical challenges, the drought has posed severe health risks to residents. Reduced water levels have raised concerns about the cleanliness of local water supplies. The scarcity of clean water has led to health issues among the community's children, with instances of diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever due to waterborne diseases becoming more frequent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amazon river falls to lowest level in over a century amid Brazil drought crisis

Sea ice in Antarctica keeps plummeting to dangerous new lows. Sea ice levels at our planet's South Pole hit yet another record low for the winter season in mid-September, according to new satellite imagery from the National Snow and Ice Data Center, as the BBC writes.

Antarctica sea-ice at 'mind-blowing' low

According to a recent PwC India report, funding for Indian startups fell sharply in the January-June period, by 34%, totaling $3.8 billion. This sum represents the lowest half-yearly total seen in the previous four years. According to the survey, investors' increased prudence and lengthier due diligence procedures are on the decline as they carefully evaluate every aspect of a company before making financial commitments.

Tough times for Indian startups: Funding hits 34-month low

Russia's currency rouble hit its lowest level since April last year on Thursday after reports suggested that British oil giant Shell may repatriate over $1 billion from the sanctions-hit country.

The rouble closed at 81.6 per dollar on Thursday, the lowest since April 2022.

Reports suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin has allowed Shell to sell its stake, worth $1.21 billion, in a project in the Russian Far East. Shell moved out of Russia after Moscow invaded Ukraine last year.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-makes-record-local-defence-purchases-credit-russias-rouble-roadblock-report-572116">India makes record local defence purchases due to Russia's rouble roadblock: Report</a>

Since the war began in Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has asked foreign companies to seek permission before selling their Russian assets.

The British oil giant is not the only company to withdraw from Russia, which has been under multiple sanctions after the invasion. These sanctions have effectively cut Russia's global financial and payment systems access.

According to a Bloomberg report, assets worth 15 to 20 billion dollars have flown out of Russia, putting immense pressure on its economy.

The flight of capital from Russia has hurt the stability of the rouble.

"With liquidity in the currency market low, it leads to increased volatility for the rouble," Dmitry Polevoy of Moscow's Locko-Invest told Bloomberg.

Indeed, the rouble has had a volatile journey since the Ukraine war. The Russian currency rose from 78 to over 130 per dollar when Moscow invaded its neighbour.

However, by mid-2022, it recovered to 57 roubles per dollar. This was the best exchange rate in about four years.

The currency volatility, however,&nbsp;does not bode&nbsp;well for the Russian economy. After denying it for several months, Putin admitted that sanctions could impact Russia in the medium term.

"The illegitimate restrictions imposed may indeed have a negative impact on it in the medium term," the Russian state media quoted him as saying. 
&nbsp;

WATCH | Capital outflows weigh on the Russia rouble

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/capital-outflows-weigh-on-the-russia-rouble-580073/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reports in the Russian media suggest that sanctions have led to the budget deficit in the first two months of 2023 reaching 88 per cent.&nbsp;

A higher budget deficit means that Moscow needs help to fund its coffers.

According to the International Energy Agency, Russia earned $11.6 billion from its oil exports in February 2023, a 42 per cent drop from $20 billion in February 2022.

The drop in revenue comes after the European Union imposed a ban on Russian oil and a price cap was imposed by G7 countries and Australia. 
&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russia's currency rouble hit its lowest level since April last year on Thursday after reports suggested that British oil giant Shell may repatriate over $1 billion from the sanctions-hit country.

Russia's currency rouble hit its lowest level since April last year on Thursday after reports suggested that British oil giant Shell may repatriate over $1 billion from the sanctions-hit country. The rouble closed at 81.6 per dollar on Thursday, the lowest since April 2022. Reports suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin has allowed Shell to sell its stake, worth $1.21 billion, in a project in the Russian Far East. Shell moved out of Russia after Moscow invaded Ukraine last year. ALSO READ | India makes record local defence purchases due to Russia's rouble roadblock: Report Since the war began in Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has asked foreign companies to seek permission before selling their Russian assets. The British oil giant is not the only company to withdraw from Russia, which has been under multiple sanctions after the invasion. These sanctions have effectively cut Russia's global financial and payment systems access. According to a Bloomberg report, assets worth 15 to 20 billion dollars have flown out of Russia, putting immense pressure on its economy. The flight of capital from Russia has hurt the stability of the rouble. "With liquidity in the currency market low, it leads to increased volatility for the rouble," Dmitry Polevoy of Moscow's Locko-Invest told Bloomberg. Indeed, the rouble has had a volatile journey since the Ukraine war. The Russian currency rose from 78 to over 130 per dollar when Moscow invaded its neighbour. However, by mid-2022, it recovered to 57 roubles per dollar. This was the best exchange rate in about four years. The currency volatility, however, does not bode well for the Russian economy. After denying it for several months, Putin admitted that sanctions could impact Russia in the medium term. "The illegitimate restrictions imposed may indeed have a negative impact on it in the medium term," the Russian state media quoted him as saying. WATCH | Capital outflows weigh on the Russia rouble Reports in the Russian media suggest that sanctions have led to the budget deficit in the first two months of 2023 reaching 88 per cent. A higher budget deficit means that Moscow needs help to fund its coffers. According to the International Energy Agency, Russia earned $11.6 billion from its oil exports in February 2023, a 42 per cent drop from $20 billion in February 2022. The drop in revenue comes after the European Union imposed a ban on Russian oil and a price cap was imposed by G7 countries and Australia. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian rouble hits a one-year low as Ukraine war-induced sanctions begin to pinch

Counter-terrorism police in the UK have advised the Pakistani exiles to keep a low profile. A report by The Guardian states that their life may be at risk after criticising Pakistan’s powerful military.

People seeking refuge in the UK need to inform the police whenever they intend to travel within the UK.&nbsp;

Such alerts came after an outspoken and exiled blogger accused Pakistan of attempting to slay him in the Netherlands, after a so-called hitman was convicted by the UK court.&nbsp;

Muhammad Gohir Khan, the 31-year-old British Pakistani man was found guilty of plotting to kill Ahmad Waqass Goraya.&nbsp;

The mysterious middleman behind the plot, known by the name of “Muzzamil," remains on the loose.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-hired-hitman-to-kill-me-claims-dissident-blogger-in-uk-court-448654">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan hired ‘hitman’ to kill me, claims dissident blogger in UK court</a>

The Metropolitan police said that they are still trying to establish his identity and whereabouts. The officers have issued a plea to the public for information on Muzzamil.&nbsp;

The trial, which spanned about two weeks, starting on January 11, featured chilling details of how Khan was approached in early 2021 and paid by a Pakistan-based man identified as Muzamil for a ‘job’.

Later, he was informed that the job was a contract to kill Goraya, a dissident blogger who left Pakistan to live in exile in Rotterdam.

It was argued in the court that Khan was paid £5,000 as advance via hundi, with the primary payment made into a Pakistani bank account by Muzamil.

During cross-examination, Khan accepted that he was asked to kill Goraya, but he never intended to carry out the murder, claiming that he was only seeking money.

A few days before the trial, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing visited the UK home of Pakistani political commentator Rashid Murad.

The aim of the visit was to review his security.&nbsp;

In a report by The Guardian, Murad explained, “Two police officers visited my home in 2021, informed me that they had intercepted a communication in which it was revealed that some people were planning to harm me. They didn’t tell me who but indicated they were from the Pakistani authorities.”

His brother, who is based in Manchester, was also approached.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Counter-terrorism police in the UK have advised the Pakistani exiles to keep a low profile. A report by The Guardian states that their life may be at risk after criticising Pakistan’s powerful military.

Counter-terrorism police in the UK have advised the Pakistani exiles to keep a low profile. A report by The Guardian states that their life may be at risk after criticising Pakistan’s powerful military. People seeking refuge in the UK need to inform the police whenever they intend to travel within the UK. Such alerts came after an outspoken and exiled blogger accused Pakistan of attempting to slay him in the Netherlands, after a so-called hitman was convicted by the UK court. Muhammad Gohir Khan, the 31-year-old British Pakistani man was found guilty of plotting to kill Ahmad Waqass Goraya. The mysterious middleman behind the plot, known by the name of “Muzzamil," remains on the loose. Also read | Pakistan hired ‘hitman’ to kill me, claims dissident blogger in UK court The Metropolitan police said that they are still trying to establish his identity and whereabouts. The officers have issued a plea to the public for information on Muzzamil. The trial, which spanned about two weeks, starting on January 11, featured chilling details of how Khan was approached in early 2021 and paid by a Pakistan-based man identified as Muzamil for a ‘job’. Later, he was informed that the job was a contract to kill Goraya, a dissident blogger who left Pakistan to live in exile in Rotterdam. It was argued in the court that Khan was paid £5,000 as advance via hundi, with the primary payment made into a Pakistani bank account by Muzamil. During cross-examination, Khan accepted that he was asked to kill Goraya, but he never intended to carry out the murder, claiming that he was only seeking money. A few days before the trial, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing visited the UK home of Pakistani political commentator Rashid Murad. The aim of the visit was to review his security. In a report by The Guardian, Murad explained, “Two police officers visited my home in 2021, informed me that they had intercepted a communication in which it was revealed that some people were planning to harm me. They didn’t tell me who but indicated they were from the Pakistani authorities.” His brother, who is based in Manchester, was also approached. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani dissidents in UK asked to keep a 'low profile' after the hitman incident

The Italian statistics agency ISTAT has revealed that Italy's birth rate is drastically declining as it has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years. January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.

The Italian statistics agency ISTAT has revealed that Italy's birth rate is drastically declining as it has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years. January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861. The deadly coronavirus has had a major impact all across the globe, one of them being the decreasing birth rate in Italy. In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also read | Amid pandemic, Germany's birth rate climbs to record high Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4. While Italy's birth rate has hit a new low, Germany's birth rate soared amid the pandemic. The country recorded 65,903 births in March which was 5,900 more compared to 2020. The birth rate in Germany was lower in 2020 compared to the previous year. European nations including Spain and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021. However, Germany showed 182,000 more children born in the same period which was a total of ten months after the lockdown was first imposed in the country due to the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid pandemic, Italy's birth rate hits 160-year low

Initial unemployment claims tumbled last week to their lowest point since 1969, the Labor Department reported Wednesday.

New filings for state benefits totaled 199,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis, a decline of 71,000 from the previous week.

The drop marks a milestone in the economy’s recovery from the pandemic. Weekly claims peaked at more than 6 million in April 2020, reflecting the impact of the coronavirus on businesses and consumers alike. As recently as early January, amid a winter resurgence of the coronavirus, new state claims exceeded 900,000 in one week.

Filing for unemployment benefits has come down sharply since then but remained well above pre-pandemic levels until very recently.

Unemployment insurance was a key source of relief after the pandemic threw more than 20 million people out of work. To buttress state payments, emergency benefits were funded through federal pandemic relief bills, although those payments ceased in September, cutting off aid to 7.5 million people.

Despite a summer lull, the economy has been showing signs of life lately. Employers added 531,000 jobs in October, and most economists expect growth to pick up in the final quarter of the year, boosted by healthy consumer spending.

“Today’s data reinforce the historic economic progress we are making and the importance of building on that progress in the weeks ahead,” President Joe Biden said in a statement about the unemployment claims report.

As one measure of progress, Biden pointed to the most recent tally of unemployment benefits of all sorts, from early November, which showed the number of people with continuing claims — those filing for benefits who have already filed an initial claim — at 2.4 million. The figure right before Thanksgiving last year was more than 20 million.

The biggest economic worry lately hasn’t been joblessness but inflation, which has been surging amid labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and higher energy prices.

In a separate report Wednesday, the Commerce Department said that household spending rose 1.3% in October, while personal income jumped 0.5%, before adjusting for inflation. It also showed that prices climbed by 5% in the 12 months through October.

The data for unemployment claims, although certainly welcome news, may not be quite as good as it seems. On an unadjusted basis, state claims rose last week. And employment remains 4.2 million jobs below its level in February 2020, before the pandemic.

“While the labor market is recovering, we think the latest drop in claims may be overstated,” said Gregory Daco, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. “We suspect the decline last week may have been exaggerated by quirky seasonal adjustment factors and think we might see a bounce-back in the weeks ahead.”

Initial unemployment claims tumbled last week to their lowest point since 1969, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. New filings for state benefits totaled 199,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis, a decline of 71,000 from the previous week.

Initial unemployment claims tumbled last week to their lowest point since 1969, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. New filings for state benefits totaled 199,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis, a decline of 71,000 from the previous week. The drop marks a milestone in the economy’s recovery from the pandemic. Weekly claims peaked at more than 6 million in April 2020, reflecting the impact of the coronavirus on businesses and consumers alike. As recently as early January, amid a winter resurgence of the coronavirus, new state claims exceeded 900,000 in one week. Filing for unemployment benefits has come down sharply since then but remained well above pre-pandemic levels until very recently. Unemployment insurance was a key source of relief after the pandemic threw more than 20 million people out of work. To buttress state payments, emergency benefits were funded through federal pandemic relief bills, although those payments ceased in September, cutting off aid to 7.5 million people. Despite a summer lull, the economy has been showing signs of life lately. Employers added 531,000 jobs in October, and most economists expect growth to pick up in the final quarter of the year, boosted by healthy consumer spending. “Today’s data reinforce the historic economic progress we are making and the importance of building on that progress in the weeks ahead,” President Joe Biden said in a statement about the unemployment claims report. As one measure of progress, Biden pointed to the most recent tally of unemployment benefits of all sorts, from early November, which showed the number of people with continuing claims — those filing for benefits who have already filed an initial claim — at 2.4 million. The figure right before Thanksgiving last year was more than 20 million. The biggest economic worry lately hasn’t been joblessness but inflation, which has been surging amid labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and higher energy prices. In a separate report Wednesday, the Commerce Department said that household spending rose 1.3% in October, while personal income jumped 0.5%, before adjusting for inflation. It also showed that prices climbed by 5% in the 12 months through October. The data for unemployment claims, although certainly welcome news, may not be quite as good as it seems. On an unadjusted basis, state claims rose last week. And employment remains 4.2 million jobs below its level in February 2020, before the pandemic. “While the labor market is recovering, we think the latest drop in claims may be overstated,” said Gregory Daco, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. “We suspect the decline last week may have been exaggerated by quirky seasonal adjustment factors and think we might see a bounce-back in the weeks ahead.”

Jobless claims decline to a half-century low

Dozens of Turkish demonstrators gathered in Istanbul to protest the arrests of two journalists and an academic on charges of disseminating &quot;terrorist propaganda&quot;. A fourth journalist was released after a brief detention. 
 
Yesterday, protesters chanted &quot;a free press cannot be silenced&quot; and &quot;arrests, oppression cannot intimidate us&quot;. Others held up a banner that read: &quot;Thinking cannot be jailed&quot;. 
 
The demonstration comes a day after a Turkish court ordered the pre-trial arrest of Reporters Without Borders&#39; Turkey representative Erol Onderoglu, journalist Ahmet Nesin and academic Sebnem Korur Fincanci. 
 
The three had participated in a solidarity campaign in support of Ozgur Gundem, a pro-Kurdish publication subject to multiple investigations and lawsuits. 
 
Press freedom advocates warn that freedom of expression has dramatically declined in Turkey. More than a dozen journalists are in prison, although the government insists they have been jailed for criminal activity, not journalistic work. 
 
The state-run Anadolu Agency said Onderoglu, Nesin and Fincanci had acted as chief editors for a day for the pro-Kurdish publication and issues they edited in May and June included alleged terrorist propaganda. The news agency also said the court ordered the suspects&#39; arrest on &quot;strong criminal suspicion&quot;. 
 
Reporters Without Borders condemned their arrests as &quot;an unbelievable low for press freedom in Turkey&quot;. Human Rights Watch slammed the &quot;spurious allegations&quot; that led to the detention of three out of 44 participants in the solidarity campaign and urged their immediate release. 
 
HRW Europe and Central Asia Director, Hugh Williamson, said the arrests showed that &quot;Turkish authorities have no hesitation about targeting well-known rights defenders and journalists who have played a key role in documenting the sharp deterioration in human rights in the country&quot;. 
 
In a separate development, a New York-based journalist who covers the United Nations for the Turkish Hurriyet daily was released Tuesday morning. Razi Canikligil was detained for almost a full day after flying into Istanbul airport with his family. 
 
&quot;They arrested me in front of my three boys,&quot; Canikligil told the AP. &quot;They were very afraid.&quot; 
 
The journalist said an arrest warrant had been issued against him over a 2014 Twitter post on a troll account, which was mistakenly attributed to him and deemed to be offensive to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 
 
No charges were pressed against Canikligil, and his passport was returned to him after a night in detention at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. 
 
&quot;Everyone was suggesting that this was government pressure to shut me down,&quot; added the journalist. &quot;We didn&#39;t know what the issue 
was.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Reporters Without Borders calls the arrests 'an unbelievable low for press freedom in Turkey', which has imprisoned over a dozen journalists

Dozens of Turkish demonstrators gathered in Istanbul to protest the arrests of two journalists and an academic on charges of disseminating "terrorist propaganda". A fourth journalist was released after a brief detention. Yesterday, protesters chanted "a free press cannot be silenced" and "arrests, oppression cannot intimidate us". Others held up a banner that read: "Thinking cannot be jailed". The demonstration comes a day after a Turkish court ordered the pre-trial arrest of Reporters Without Borders' Turkey representative Erol Onderoglu, journalist Ahmet Nesin and academic Sebnem Korur Fincanci. The three had participated in a solidarity campaign in support of Ozgur Gundem, a pro-Kurdish publication subject to multiple investigations and lawsuits. Press freedom advocates warn that freedom of expression has dramatically declined in Turkey. More than a dozen journalists are in prison, although the government insists they have been jailed for criminal activity, not journalistic work. The state-run Anadolu Agency said Onderoglu, Nesin and Fincanci had acted as chief editors for a day for the pro-Kurdish publication and issues they edited in May and June included alleged terrorist propaganda. The news agency also said the court ordered the suspects' arrest on "strong criminal suspicion". Reporters Without Borders condemned their arrests as "an unbelievable low for press freedom in Turkey". Human Rights Watch slammed the "spurious allegations" that led to the detention of three out of 44 participants in the solidarity campaign and urged their immediate release. HRW Europe and Central Asia Director, Hugh Williamson, said the arrests showed that "Turkish authorities have no hesitation about targeting well-known rights defenders and journalists who have played a key role in documenting the sharp deterioration in human rights in the country". In a separate development, a New York-based journalist who covers the United Nations for the Turkish Hurriyet daily was released Tuesday morning. Razi Canikligil was detained for almost a full day after flying into Istanbul airport with his family. "They arrested me in front of my three boys," Canikligil told the AP. "They were very afraid." The journalist said an arrest warrant had been issued against him over a 2014 Twitter post on a troll account, which was mistakenly attributed to him and deemed to be offensive to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. No charges were pressed against Canikligil, and his passport was returned to him after a night in detention at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. "Everyone was suggesting that this was government pressure to shut me down," added the journalist. "We didn't know what the issue was." (AFP)

Turkish demonstrators protest arrest of 2 journalists and 1 academic for 'terrorist propaganda'

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali has been hospitalised for a respiratory issue, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said yesterday.

Gunnell said in a statement that Ali was in fair condition but a brief hospital stay was expected.

Ali, 74, has been suffering from Parkinson&#39;s disease for more than three decades. His last public appearance was in April at the &#39;Celebrity Fight Night&#39; gala in Arizona, a charity that benefits the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.

At the height of his career, Ali was known for his dancing feet and quick fists and his ability, as he put it, to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.

Ali, who lives in Phoenix, Arizona, has suffered health problems in recent years and was admitted to hospital in December 2014 with what was believed to be a mild case of pneumonia.

Doctors later determined he had suffered a severe urinary tract infection, for which he received further treatment in January 2015.

Nicknamed &quot;The Greatest,&quot; Ali retired from boxing in 1981 with a 56-5 record. Ali&#39;s diagnosis of Parkinson&#39;s came about three years after he retired.

Ali, born in Louisville, Kentucky, as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr, changed his name in 1964 after his conversion to Islam. He is married to Yolanda Williams, who knew him when she was a child in his hometown.

In December 2014, Ali had to be hospitalised for a mild case of pneumonia. In recent years, the 74-year old has kept a very low profile

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali has been hospitalised for a respiratory issue, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said yesterday. Gunnell said in a statement that Ali was in fair condition but a brief hospital stay was expected. Ali, 74, has been suffering from Parkinson's disease for more than three decades. His last public appearance was in April at the 'Celebrity Fight Night' gala in Arizona, a charity that benefits the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center. At the height of his career, Ali was known for his dancing feet and quick fists and his ability, as he put it, to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Ali, who lives in Phoenix, Arizona, has suffered health problems in recent years and was admitted to hospital in December 2014 with what was believed to be a mild case of pneumonia. Doctors later determined he had suffered a severe urinary tract infection, for which he received further treatment in January 2015. Nicknamed "The Greatest," Ali retired from boxing in 1981 with a 56-5 record. Ali's diagnosis of Parkinson's came about three years after he retired. Ali, born in Louisville, Kentucky, as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr, changed his name in 1964 after his conversion to Islam. He is married to Yolanda Williams, who knew him when she was a child in his hometown.

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali hospitalised with respiratory ailment

Babies born prematurely may grow up to have weaker bones, according to a new study which also found that low birth weight plays a big role in developing osteoporosis. 
 
&quot;Our study shows that both those born prematurely with a very low birth weight and those who were born full term, but small for their gestational age, had lower bone mass than the control group, who were born full term with normal weights,&quot; said Chandima Balasuriya, a specialist in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology from the&nbsp;Norwegian University of Science and Technology. 
 
Researchers found that adults who were born full term but were small for their gestational age also had lower bone mass. 
 
These findings are important since peak bone mass is a major determinant of future osteoporosis, the researchers&nbsp;said. 
Researchers looked at 186 adults who were 26-28 years old.&nbsp;They found that 52 of the participants were very low birth weight babies, with a mean birth weight of 1.2 kilogrammes, and a mean gestational age of 29 weeks. 
 
Another 59 participants had been born to term, but were considered &quot;small for gestational age&quot;, with a mean birth weight of just under 3 kilogrammes. 
 
Researchers also had a control group of 77 adults who were born at term with normal weight. 
 
For all three groups, researchers measured bone mineral content and density in the spine, neck, hip and the whole body, and looked at current height and weight, smoking, level of physical activity and a variety of other measures. 
 
When they looked at the data from adults who were born small for their gestational age at term, they found that this group had lower bone mass than adults who were born with normal weight at term. 
 
When researchers corrected the bone mass measurement for the heights of this group, who tended to be shorter, they found that the low bone mass was partly due to their smaller body size. 
 
In contrast, body size alone did not account for the lower bone mass researchers found in adults who had been pre-term babies. 
 
&quot;Ensuring that children with low birth weights have a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein, in combination with exercise that involves weight-bearing physical activities may help reduce risk of bone fractures later in life,&quot; Balasuriya said.

Babies born prematurely may grow up to have weaker bones, according to a new study which also found that low birth weight plays a big role in developing osteoporosis.

Babies born prematurely may grow up to have weaker bones, according to a new study which also found that low birth weight plays a big role in developing osteoporosis. "Our study shows that both those born prematurely with a very low birth weight and those who were born full term, but small for their gestational age, had lower bone mass than the control group, who were born full term with normal weights," said Chandima Balasuriya, a specialist in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Researchers found that adults who were born full term but were small for their gestational age also had lower bone mass. These findings are important since peak bone mass is a major determinant of future osteoporosis, the researchers said. Researchers looked at 186 adults who were 26-28 years old. They found that 52 of the participants were very low birth weight babies, with a mean birth weight of 1.2 kilogrammes, and a mean gestational age of 29 weeks. Another 59 participants had been born to term, but were considered "small for gestational age", with a mean birth weight of just under 3 kilogrammes. Researchers also had a control group of 77 adults who were born at term with normal weight. For all three groups, researchers measured bone mineral content and density in the spine, neck, hip and the whole body, and looked at current height and weight, smoking, level of physical activity and a variety of other measures. When they looked at the data from adults who were born small for their gestational age at term, they found that this group had lower bone mass than adults who were born with normal weight at term. When researchers corrected the bone mass measurement for the heights of this group, who tended to be shorter, they found that the low bone mass was partly due to their smaller body size. In contrast, body size alone did not account for the lower bone mass researchers found in adults who had been pre-term babies. "Ensuring that children with low birth weights have a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein, in combination with exercise that involves weight-bearing physical activities may help reduce risk of bone fractures later in life," Balasuriya said.

Premature babies may grow up to have weaker bones: study

Low, News on Low, stories on Low, articles on Low, Low stories at Wion, Low news, Low latest news