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Ukrainian Strike Targets Key Russian Missile Facility in Deep-Range Operation

    An employee controls an unmanned ground vehicle during an exhibition of Ukrainian drone makers, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location Ukraine says it carried out a long‑range strike against a major Russian ballistic missile production site, marking one of Kyiv’s deepest attacks inside Russian territory since the full‑scale invasion began. According to Ukrainian security officials, the operation targeted a facility involved in manufacturing components for Russia’s Iskander missile systems—munitions frequently used against Ukrainian cities. While Moscow has not confirmed the strike, Russian regional authorities reported explosions and a subsequent fire at an industrial site. Kyiv has increasingly relied on domestically produced long‑range drones and missiles as Western military aid faces delays, and Ukrainian officials framed the attack as part of a broader effort to degrade Russia’s ability to wage war. The strike underscores Ukraine’s evolving stra...
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Japan Sinks into Recession and Loses Its Position in the Global Economy

 

In a significant economic shift, Japan has slipped from its position as the world’s third-largest economy, falling behind Germany. The latest government data reveals that Japan’s economy contracted in the last quarter of 2023, leading to this change in ranking.

For over a decade, Japan held the second spot, but it ceded that position to China. Now, it faces another setback as Germany surpasses it. Here are the key points:

  1. Economic Contraction: Japan’s real GDP shrank by 0.1% in the final quarter of 2023, primarily due to weak spending by households and businesses. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of economic activity, fell by 0.2% as households grappled with rising living costs and stagnant wages.

  2. Yen’s Impact: The sharp decline of the Japanese yen against the US dollar over the past two years played a crucial role. A weaker yen affects export profits when earnings are repatriated. Germany, too, faces similar challenges, despite being Europe’s largest economy.

  3. Structural Reforms Needed: Japan’s labor crunch is worse than Germany’s, and addressing the low birthrate remains a challenge. The government emphasizes structural reforms, including promoting full-time work for women and easing barriers to foreign investment.

  4. Technical Recession: With two consecutive quarters of contraction, Japan officially enters a technical recession. The country must navigate economic headwinds while welcoming a record number of foreign workers.

While the loss of its global ranking is a blow, Japan remains resilient. As it grapples with demographic shifts and economic complexities, policymakers strive to steer the nation toward sustainable growth.


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