The Arcturus Covid variant, also known as XBB.1.16, is a new strain that has caught the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its high transmissibility. It has been declared a “variant under monitoring” since late March and is causing a surge in many countries. According to Dr. Vipin Vashishtha, a pediatrician, the variant’s symptoms include high fever, cough, and itchy conjunctivitis or pinkeye. While it is too early to tell if the symptom set has truly shifted, researchers have identified the virus in the eye’s tear film, which could lead to conjunctivitis.

Fascism is a political ideology that threatens democracy and individual rights. It often arises during times of economic instability, promoting nationalism and scapegoating marginalized groups. Fascist regimes suppress dissent and opposition, erode democratic institutions, and promote violence and intimidation. Minority groups are targeted, leading to persecution and marginalization. It is crucial to remain vigilant against the rise of fascism, promoting democratic values and institutions while rejecting nationalism, racism, and other forms of discrimination.

On March 22, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir V. Putin announced an enduring economic partnership that aims to bring more Russian energy to China and more Chinese companies to Russia. The partnership comes at a time of war in Ukraine, and the economic pledges are intended to protect both countries from Western sanctions and other consequences of the conflict. China and Russia have grown closer economically in recent years, with China using its significant reserves to purchase Russian assets and the two countries collaborating on large infrastructure projects and scientific and technological development. The partnership has geopolitical implications, with the two countries circling their wagons against potential punitive measures from the United States and Europe. This growing alliance also has ramifications for Japan, which has taken a clear stance on the war in Ukraine and aligned itself with NATO members.