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German Interior Minister Orders Ban on Entry for Undocumented Migrants

German Interior Minister Orders Ban on Entry for Undocumented Migrants

May 15, 2025, 2:14 pm EDT
Drivers Face Penalties in Germany for Running Out of Gas on Highways

Drivers Face Penalties in Germany for Running Out of Gas on Highways

May 16, 2025, 2:41 pm EDT
US - China Tariff Cut Agreement Expected to Drive Up Freight Rates

US - China Tariff Cut Agreement Expected to Drive Up Freight Rates

May 15, 2025, 2:36 pm EDT
Greek Customs and Culture

Greek Customs and Culture

April 7, 2025, 3:03 pm EDT
Asian Finance Chiefs Warn of Global Economic Rifts from Trade Barriers

Asian Finance Chiefs Warn of Global Economic Rifts from Trade Barriers

May 15, 2025, 2:11 pm EDT
More in The State of Society
UK Arrests Six Iranian Men on National Security Threat Charges

UK Arrests Six Iranian Men on National Security Threat Charges

On May 5th, British counterterrorism police made significant arrests as part of what the government described as one of the largest "counter - state threat and counterterrorism" operations in recent years. Seven men, aged between 29 and 46, were detained across England under the Terrorism Act.
Asian Finance Chiefs Warn of Global Economic Rifts from Trade Barriers

Asian Finance Chiefs Warn of Global Economic Rifts from Trade Barriers

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.
German Interior Minister Orders Ban on Entry for Undocumented Migrants

German Interior Minister Orders Ban on Entry for Undocumented Migrants

On May 7 local time, Alexander Dobrindt, the newly appointed German Interior Minister, issued an order to deny entry to undocumented migrants at the German border, including asylum seekers. Dobrindt announced his decision to revoke the 2015 directive that allowed undocumented migrants from third countries to enter Germany, aiming to reduce the number of illegal immigrants, and he stated that the current number of illegal immigrants in Germany remains unacceptably high.
José Mujica, Uruguay’s “Poorest President,” Passes Away at 89

José Mujica, Uruguay’s “Poorest President,” Passes Away at 89

José Mujica, the former president of Uruguay, passed away on May 13th at the age of 89. He was renowned as the “world’s poorest president” due to his simple lifestyle. Despite his high - level position, Mujica lived in a small cottage on a farm and drove an old Volkswagen Beetle. He also donated 90% of his salary.
US - China Tariff Cut Agreement Expected to Drive Up Freight Rates

US - China Tariff Cut Agreement Expected to Drive Up Freight Rates

The recent agreement between the US and China to cut trade tariffs is anticipated to lead to a rise in freight rates. This is because businesses from both countries are competing to take advantage of the 90 - day grace period to ship goods across the Pacific. In recent weeks, the rapid escalation of tariffs has caused a significant decline in freight volume. Last month, China's exports to the US decreased by 21%, and imports fell by nearly 14%. Maersk, the container giant, estimated last week that the bilateral trade volume between China and the US in April dropped by 30% to 40%.
Carney Leads New Canadian Cabinet in Inauguration

Carney Leads New Canadian Cabinet in Inauguration

Local time on May 13th, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney led his new cabinet to be sworn in at the Government House in Ottawa. The new cabinet consists of 28 ministers, reducing the number of ministers from 39 in the Trudeau era to 28, aiming for a more efficient operation.
Singapore: Beware of Chewing Gum

Singapore: Beware of Chewing Gum

Singapore is known for its strict laws and regulations, and one particular rule that visitors and locals alike need to be cautious about is the ban on chewing gum. Since 1992, chewing gum has been largely prohibited in this island nation.
Drivers Face Penalties in Germany for Running Out of Gas on Highways

Drivers Face Penalties in Germany for Running Out of Gas on Highways

In Germany, motorists need to be extra cautious about fuel levels while driving on highways. According to local regulations, running out of gas on the highway is considered an illegal act, and those found in such a situation may face significant penalties.
Caution: The "V" Sign in the UK - Palm Direction Matters

Caution: The "V" Sign in the UK - Palm Direction Matters

When traveling in the United Kingdom, it’s crucial to be aware of a nuanced yet significant cultural aspect regarding the commonly - used “V” sign. While the “V” gesture, formed by holding up the index and middle fingers, is often associated with victory or peace in many parts of the world, in the UK, its meaning can drastically change depending on the palm’s direction.
Odd - Numbered Flowers Preferred in Ukraine: A Cultural Insight

Odd - Numbered Flowers Preferred in Ukraine: A Cultural Insight

In Ukraine, the act of giving flowers is steeped in rich cultural traditions and superstitions. When it comes to presenting flowers to a woman, one must be particularly mindful of the number of blooms in the bouquet.
Caution: Avoid Complimenting Iranian Babies' Eyes

Caution: Avoid Complimenting Iranian Babies' Eyes

When traveling to Iran, visitors may encounter a unique cultural taboo that revolves around the seemingly innocent act of complimenting a baby's eyes. In Iranian culture, remarks about a baby's eyes are regarded with extreme sensitivity, as they are believed to invite misfortune.
In Longyearbyen, Norway: Where Life and Death Are Regulated by Law

In Longyearbyen, Norway: Where Life and Death Are Regulated by Law

In the remote town of Longyearbyen, nestled within the Arctic Circle in Norway, an extraordinary set of regulations governs life and death. This unique approach stems from the town's specific geographical and environmental conditions, making it a place where the boundaries between the living and the deceased are strictly defined by law.
In Indonesia, Respecting the Sanctity of a Child’s Head

In Indonesia, Respecting the Sanctity of a Child’s Head

In Indonesia, a country rich in cultural traditions and deep - seated beliefs, the human head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body. This belief holds particular significance when it comes to children, whose heads are often considered a dwelling place for the divine and a symbol of personal dignity.
In Turkey, the 'OK' Gesture Isn’t Always Innocent

In Turkey, the 'OK' Gesture Isn’t Always Innocent

Travelers to Turkey, Brazil, and parts of the Middle East may be surprised to learn that the commonly used “OK” gesture—forming a circle with the thumb and index finger—carries a highly offensive meaning in these regions. Far from signifying approval or agreement, this hand signal is widely regarded as a crude and inappropriate gesture, often considered more vulgar than even the middle finger.
Greek Customs and Culture

Greek Customs and Culture

Greek Customs and Culture
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