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A 113-million-year-old fossil of a hell ant, now identified as the oldest ant specimen known to science, has been uncovered at the Museum of Zoology in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The fossil, preserved in limestone, belongs to the subfamily Haidomyrmecinae and is named Vulcanidris cratensis. Researchers suggest this extinct group thrived during the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 to 45 million years ago, using their distinctive scythe-like jaws to capture prey. Lead author Anderson Lepeco noted the "extraordinary" find, which deviates from previously discovered Cretaceous hell ants found in amber. This discovery indicates that hell ants were widely distributed and diversified early in their evolution. The study, published in *Current Biology*, extends the ant fossil record by about ten million years and highlights the evolutionary history of ants, which emerged around 145 million years ago and became prevalent following the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inJacques Moalic, a former journalist with Agence France-Presse (AFP) and a Holocaust survivor, has died at the age of 102 in Paris, his family confirmed. Moalic was deported to the Buchenwald concentration camp on December 18, 1943, for resisting the Nazi occupation of France, and he witnessed the camp's liberation by American soldiers on April 11, 1945. Following his release, he resumed his law studies and went on to become a senior reporter at AFP, covering significant events from Algeria to Vietnam. In a recent interview commemorating the 80th anniversary of Buchenwald's liberation, Moalic recounted the chaos of that day, as prisoners feared for their lives while the SS attempted to evacuate them. He reflected on the swift transition from prisoner to reclaiming his identity, stating, "I was a number, but now I was taking back my name." 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 9 pmeznews.inMy Pillow CEO Mike Lindell's legal team has come under scrutiny from federal Judge Nina Wang after it was revealed they utilized artificial intelligence to draft a legal brief in a defamation lawsuit. The brief contained 30 defective citations, including misquotes and references to non-existent cases. Judge Wang ordered attorneys Christopher Kachouroff and Jennifer DeMaster to explain why they should not face sanctions for these misrepresentations and potential disciplinary action for violating professional conduct rules. The attorneys admitted to mistakenly submitting a draft version of the motion instead of a corrected final version, but Judge Wang criticized their failure to properly cite-check the AI-generated content. The brief was part of an ongoing defamation case involving Eric Coomer, a former Dominion Voting Systems employee, and Lindell, who is known for his support of Donald Trump and his efforts to contest the 2020 election results. The attorneys have until May 5 to respond. 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 9 pmeznews.inPakistani health authorities have launched emergency measures to secure pharmaceutical supplies following the suspension of trade ties with India, prompted by India's halt of the Indus Water Treaty after a deadly attack in Pahalgam. Pakistan relies on India for 30% to 40% of its pharmaceutical raw materials, including vital ingredients for cancer therapies and vaccines. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has initiated contingency plans to explore alternative sources from China, Russia, and Europe, although industry experts warn of potential shortages. A delegation from the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association has appealed for an exemption from the trade ban, emphasizing the critical nature of imported life-saving products. The situation is further complicated by a black market for smuggled medicines, which poses risks to quality and supply. Experts see this crisis as an opportunity for Pakistan to invest in local production of pharmaceuticals and reduce dependency on imports. 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 10 pmeznews.inRussian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a willingness to engage in talks with Ukraine "without preconditions," according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. This announcement followed discussions between Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff, amid ongoing talks between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome. Trump, reflecting on the situation, suggested that Putin's recent missile strikes on civilian areas indicate a need for a different approach, potentially involving "Banking" or "Secondary Sanctions." Despite Trump's earlier claims of being able to broker a deal within 24 hours, he has struggled to secure any concessions from Putin, with hopes for a peace agreement this week appearing increasingly unlikely. Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in the occupation of about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory and tens of thousands of casualties. 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inConcerns are mounting among Indian authorities regarding Bangladesh's increasing alignment with Islamic extremism, particularly following the display of ISIS flags at protests and the recent comments from Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who referred to terrorists involved in attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as "freedom fighters." Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that security agencies have been alerted to monitor the situation, especially in light of the scheduled visit of Dar to Dhaka, which has now been postponed. Members of Bangladesh's Awami League, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, have criticized the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus for allowing individuals sympathetic to jihadist ideologies into leadership positions, raising alarms about radicalization within the country. The Awami League's apprehensions are compounded by the historical links of jihadists to significant terror attacks in India. 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for recent missile attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine, suggesting that these actions indicate a reluctance on Putin's part to end the conflict. Following discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome, Trump expressed concern that Putin may need to be approached differently, potentially through heightened sanctions on Moscow. "There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas," Trump stated on Truth Social, emphasizing the tragic loss of life. Meanwhile, the Kremlin reported that Putin has expressed a willingness to engage in talks with Ukraine "without preconditions," as conveyed to US envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting in Moscow. The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue amidst ongoing violence. 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inValerie, a miniature dachshund, has been found after an astonishing 529 days missing on Kangaroo Island, Australia, during a family trip. The rescue operation, which captured international attention, involved volunteers from Kangala Wildlife Rescue using a smelly T-shirt worn by Valerie's owner to create a scent trail that ultimately led to her capture. "After weeks of tireless efforts, Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well," the rescue team stated, expressing their relief and joy. Social media users celebrated the news, with comments highlighting the miraculous nature of her survival and the resilience of dogs. Valerie had escaped from her pen at a campsite and had been evading capture, exhibiting behaviors associated with "lost dog syndrome." Her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, are now preparing to welcome her back home. 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA significant explosion at Shahid Rajaee port in Iran on Saturday resulted in over 400 injuries and extensive fire, with emergency teams mobilized to assist victims. The blast, linked to multiple container explosions, sent thick smoke billowing across the port, which is located 1,000 kilometers south of Tehran and is Iran's most advanced container port. Esmaeil Malekizadeh, a regional port official, confirmed that the explosion occurred on the dock, prompting rapid response teams to the scene. Mokhtar Salahshour, head of the Hormozgan Red Crescent Society, reported that four teams were dispatched to manage the situation. Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, head of the province's crisis management authority, indicated that efforts were underway to evacuate and transport the injured to nearby medical facilities. The port is strategically significant, situated near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments. 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 4 pmeznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump held their first in-person meeting since a contentious encounter in February, during the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. The White House described the discussion as "very productive," with Trump suggesting that Ukraine and Russia are "very close to a deal" to end the conflict. Despite their strained history, which included a heated exchange in the Oval Office where Trump criticized Zelensky for a perceived lack of gratitude for US support, both leaders attended the funeral alongside their wives. They were seated apart due to the Vatican's seating arrangements. Trump has previously called for an end to Russian aggression but has also placed blame on Zelensky for the ongoing war. In a prior interview, he claimed he could resolve the conflict in a day, though he later deemed that statement an "exaggeration." 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inHamas has expressed willingness to negotiate an agreement to end the ongoing Gaza war, proposing a one-time release of all remaining hostages alongside a five-year cessation of hostilities, according to a group official. This announcement comes as a Hamas delegation prepares to meet with mediators in Cairo. The group previously rejected an Israeli proposal for a 45-day truce in exchange for the return of ten hostages, insisting that any ceasefire must lead to a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the entry of humanitarian aid. Israel, however, demands the return of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, a point deemed non-negotiable by the group. The conflict, ignited by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties, with over 51,000 Palestinians reported killed since the war began. Currently, 58 hostages remain in Gaza. 
Published: Apr 26 2025, 3 pm
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