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A remarkably preserved 47-million-year-old cicada fossil has been unearthed, showcasing intricate details, including visible wing veins. Although the fossil is of a female cicada, which typically does not produce sound, researchers believe it belongs to a lineage where males are known to sing. The fossil closely resembles modern cicadas from the Platypleurini group, primarily found in Africa and Asia, and exhibits traces of colors and patterns likely used for camouflage against predators. Dr. Hui Jiang from the University of Bonn noted that this discovery extends the known fossil record of sound-producing cicadas in the Platypleurini tribe by about 20 million years, suggesting earlier diversification than previously thought. Dr. Conrad Labandeira from the Smithsonian highlighted that the findings indicate a slower evolutionary rate for this group than earlier DNA studies suggested, and further fossil discoveries are needed to refine these evolutionary timelines. 
Published: May 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has announced plans to lift long-standing sanctions on Syria, which had isolated the country from the global financial system under former President Bashar al-Assad. This move comes as the European Union and Britain have already eased some restrictions, potentially prompting further international action. The World Bank estimates Syria's economy is currently valued at around $21 billion, a stark decline from pre-war levels, with over 90% of its population living in poverty. The Syrian pound has plummeted in value, and the government faces significant debt, estimated between $20 billion and $23 billion, with claims from Iran and Russia potentially raising this figure. Amidst economic turmoil, the government has resorted to illicit means, including the production of the drug captagon, to finance imports. Agricultural production has also suffered severely due to conflict and drought, further complicating the country's recovery prospects.
Published: May 14 2025, 11 pmeznews.inSteve Pepoon, the Emmy-winning writer known for his work on _The Simpsons_, has passed away at the age of 68 after a two-year battle with cardiac amyloidosis. His death on May 3 in Paola, Kansas, was confirmed by his wife, Mary Stephenson, and followed by a heartfelt announcement from his family on Facebook, who described him as a cherished member of their lives. Born in Kansas City, Pepoon moved to Los Angeles in 1979 and made his mark in television with notable contributions to shows like _ALF_, _Roseanne_, and _The Wild Thornberrys_, which he co-created. His most acclaimed work, the _Simpsons_ episode "Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment," earned him a Primetime Emmy. Pepoon's legacy includes a scholarship fund for aspiring writers at Paola High School, and his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues celebrating his impactful storytelling.
Published: May 15 2025, 12 ameznews.inBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the newly finalized Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India during Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions, criticizing the Opposition Conservative Party for wanting to "rip it up." Starmer highlighted the Labour government's achievement in securing the FTA last week, a feat the Conservatives failed to accomplish over eight years in power. He emphasized the deal's benefits, including reduced tariffs on cars and whisky, and projected an economic boost of £4.8 billion. In a heated exchange with opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, Starmer dismissed her claims of "fake news" regarding the agreement's provisions on temporary foreign workers, asserting that these terms had been part of prior negotiations. He reiterated that the FTA is expected to significantly enhance UK-India trade, potentially adding £25.5 billion annually, and is currently awaiting parliamentary approval before implementation.
Published: May 15 2025, 12 ameznews.inRepublican Senator Mike Lee of Utah has introduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), a bill aimed at criminalising pornography by redefining obscenity for the digital age. In collaboration with Illinois Representative Mary Miller, Lee argues that the current vague definitions have allowed harmful content to proliferate, particularly affecting children. The proposed legislation classifies material as obscene if it appeals to prurient interests and lacks artistic or scientific value, specifically targeting content that simulates sexual acts intended to arouse. Lee emphasised the need for updated laws, stating that obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment, and the bill would facilitate the prosecution of offenders transmitting obscene content across state lines. Both Lee and Miller advocate for the protection of American families from what they describe as destructive material, aligning their efforts with a broader conservative push for stricter regulations on pornography, despite ongoing controversies within the MAGA movement.
Published: May 15 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a significant military achievement, the Indian Air Force has successfully jammed Pakistan's Chinese-made air defense systems during Operation Sindoor, a swift response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. The operation, which was completed in just 23 minutes, showcased India's technological superiority, utilizing indigenous drones and guided munitions to target key Pakistani airbases with precision. The government emphasized that all strikes were executed without loss of Indian assets, underscoring the effectiveness of India's surveillance and planning. The operation effectively neutralized advanced foreign weaponry, including Chinese missiles and Turkish UAVs, with evidence of destruction presented through recovered debris. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) played a crucial role, supporting the mission with satellite surveillance. Overall, Operation Sindoor marks a milestone in India's defense capabilities, reinforcing its position as a high-tech military power in the region.
Published: May 15 2025, 12 ameznews.inUS drug overdose deaths saw a significant decline in 2024, reaching their lowest level in five years, according to new data released on Wednesday. An estimated 80,391 individuals died from overdoses last year, marking a 27% decrease from 110,035 in 2023. Notably, deaths linked to fentanyl, the main driver of the opioid crisis, fell from around 76,000 in 2023 to 48,422. The decline occurred under former President Joe Biden’s administration, which prioritized addiction treatment and the distribution of naloxone, an opioid reversal drug. However, the Trump administration, which resumed power in January, claimed credit for ongoing efforts to combat the epidemic, citing the declaration of a public health emergency in 2017. Despite this progress, overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44, highlighting the need for continued action against the opioid epidemic that has claimed over a million lives in the past two decades.
Published: May 14 2025, 10 pmeznews.inFormer NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has warned that Donald Trump's presidency has "significantly" weakened Western alliances and compromised Ukraine's defense against Russia. Speaking ahead of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, Rasmussen criticized Trump's concessions to Russia, including the suggestion to cede Ukrainian territories and lift sanctions without securing meaningful concessions from Moscow. He expressed skepticism about the potential for a ceasefire, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unyielding despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's willingness to negotiate. Rasmussen highlighted a crisis of confidence within NATO, exacerbated by Trump's comments on Article 5 obligations, and called for increased European defense spending. He proposed a new "D7" group of democracies, including the EU, UK, and several allies, to strengthen collective resistance against coercion from global powers. Rasmussen's think tank recommends doubling NATO's defense budget target to enhance military readiness amid rising threats.
Published: May 14 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani announced a series of agreements on Wednesday that are expected to generate an economic exchange valued at a minimum of $1.2 trillion, according to the White House. Key among the deals is a significant $96 billion contract with Qatar Airways for the purchase of up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft, equipped with GE Aerospace engines. Additionally, the agreements include a statement of intent that could facilitate $38 billion in investments at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base, enhancing air defense and maritime security capabilities. These developments underscore the strengthening economic ties between the United States and Qatar, highlighting a commitment to collaborative defense and aviation advancements.
Published: May 14 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA young Mexican social media influencer, Valeria Marquez, 23, was tragically shot to death during a TikTok livestream, igniting outrage over the country's pervasive gender-based violence. The incident occurred in a beauty salon in Zapopan, where Marquez was seen moments before her death expressing concern about an unidentified person delivering an "expensive gift." The Jalisco state prosecutor is investigating the case under femicide protocols, which address killings motivated by gender, highlighting the alarming rates of such violence in Mexico. With nearly 200,000 followers on social media, Marquez's death underscores the grim reality of femicide in Mexico, where the country ranks among the highest in Latin America for such crimes, with 1.3 femicides per 100,000 women in 2023. Jalisco state, where the incident occurred, is noted for its high homicide rates, raising further concerns about safety in the region.
Published: May 14 2025, 11 pmeznews.inSri Lanka is set to implement artificial intelligence technology to monitor bus drivers and enforce mandatory seat belts on public transport following the nation's deadliest bus crash in two decades, which claimed 23 lives. Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake announced that from next year, buses will be equipped with driver monitoring systems, while seat belts will be compulsory starting in June. This initiative aims to enhance road safety and educate drivers on better practices, amidst the backdrop of approximately 3,000 annual road fatalities in the country, known for its perilous roads. The recent tragedy involved an overcrowded bus carrying 77 passengers, exceeding its capacity, which fell into a ravine in Kotmale. Preliminary investigations revealed no immediate driver error, although a prior complaint about steering issues had been reported. This incident marks the deadliest bus accident in Sri Lanka since April 2005.
Published: May 14 2025, 8 pm
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