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6.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Afghanistan on Wednesday, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The tremor occurred at a depth of 121 kilometers (75 miles), though specific details regarding the impact or any potential casualties have not yet been reported. This seismic event adds to the challenges faced by Afghanistan, a country already grappling with significant humanitarian issues. The region is known for its seismic activity, and earthquakes of this magnitude can pose serious risks to infrastructure and communities. Further updates are expected as authorities assess the situation and respond to any emerging needs. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 5 am

Coach Praises Harvard's Defiance Against Trump Policies

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed strong support for Harvard University on Wednesday, commending its refusal to comply with government oversight demands from President Donald Trump. After the Warriors' victory against Memphis, Kerr donned a Harvard t-shirt sent by friend and Harvard basketball coach Tommy Amaker. He emphasized the importance of academic freedom, stating that institutions should not be coerced by the government regarding their teachings. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard," Kerr remarked, referring to Trump's threats to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status and freeze $2.2 billion in federal funding due to the university's stance on student selection. Kerr, a vocal critic of Trump and supporter of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, praised Harvard for "standing up to the bully" in this escalating conflict. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 12 pm

Gene Hackman's Wife's Final Internet Searches Before Passing

Days before her death, Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, conducted online searches for flu and COVID-19-like symptoms, as revealed by New Mexico officials. The 65-year-old's internet history indicated her concerns about potential COVID-19 symptoms, including nosebleeds and dizziness, according to The New York Post. In her efforts to care for her husband, who had tested negative for COVID-19, she purchased a test kit and Boost Oxygen canisters and sought advice from their masseuse regarding his health. Tragically, Ms. Arakawa is believed to have succumbed to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, which can present flu-like symptoms. A week later, Mr. Hackman, suffering from advanced Alzheimer's and heart issues, passed away, likely unaware of his wife's death. Both bodies were discovered on February 18 after a maintenance worker alerted authorities to their open front door. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 1 pm

India: Religious Factors Hinder Regional Representation in Security Council

India has firmly opposed proposals to include religion and faith as criteria for representation in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC), arguing that such measures contradict the established principle of regional representation. Speaking at an Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) meeting, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, emphasized that those resisting text-based negotiations are hindering real progress on UNSC reforms. He outlined the G4 nations' model, advocating for an increase in Council membership from 15 to 25 or 26, with 11 permanent and 14 or 15 non-permanent members, to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. The G4, which includes Brazil, Germany, Japan, and India, reiterated that any reform must address both permanent and non-permanent categories to be meaningful. Meanwhile, the Uniting for Consensus Group continues to push for an expansion limited to non-permanent seats, while Arab nations demand equitable representation in any expanded Council. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 1 pm

US Warns China of Up to 245% Tariff on Imports

China is now facing a staggering 245% tariff on its imports to the United States following its retaliatory measures in an escalating trade conflict, the White House announced. This development coincides with President Donald Trump's initiation of an investigation into national security risks linked to the US's reliance on imported critical minerals, including cobalt, lithium, and rare-earth metals essential for technology and military applications. The US has previously imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, while China responded with a 125% duty on American products and restrictions on exports vital to the aerospace sector. Despite these tensions, a Chinese official noted that the economy grew by 5.4% in the first quarter, although the government cautioned about a "complex and severe" global economic landscape. Meanwhile, Trump continues to advocate for reciprocal tariffs to bolster American manufacturing and employment, further intensifying the trade war. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 1 pm

Japan Hits 10 Million Visitors by March at Record Speed

Japan has recorded a remarkable surge in tourism, surpassing the 10 million visitor milestone at an unprecedented pace by March, according to official data released on Wednesday. The influx of 3.5 million foreign visitors in March alone has contributed to a total of 10.54 million arrivals in the first quarter, as reported by the Japan National Tourism Organization. This surge is largely attributed to the weak yen, which has made Japan an attractive destination for international travelers. Additionally, foreign visitors spent approximately 2.27 trillion yen during the January-March period, marking a significant 28.4% increase compared to the previous year, as indicated by preliminary data from the transport ministry. This tourism boom underscores Japan's growing appeal as a prime destination for both business and leisure travelers. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 1 pm

Bahamas Halts SpaceX Rocket Landings for Investigation

The Bahamian government announced on Tuesday the suspension of all SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket landings in the country, pending a comprehensive post-launch investigation. Latrae Rahming, the Bahamian Director of Communications, stated that no further clearances will be issued until a full environmental assessment is conducted. This decision follows a recent incident involving a SpaceX Starship spacecraft that exploded shortly after launch from Texas, with debris reportedly falling into Bahamian airspace. While social media footage captured the fiery debris over South Florida and the Bahamas, officials confirmed that the remnants posed no toxic threat and were not expected to significantly impact marine life or water quality. The Bahamas had previously approved 19 additional Falcon 9 landings through 2025, contingent on regulatory approval, but clarified that the Starship explosion was unrelated to the Falcon 9 program. SpaceX has yet to comment on the suspension. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 11 am

Webb Telescope Unveils Clear Images of Dying Stars

NASA has unveiled breathtaking images of the dying star system NGC 1514, captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, providing the most detailed view of the planetary nebula to date. The images reveal one of the two central stars shedding its layers of gas and dust as it nears the end of its life cycle. Webb's mid-infrared observations highlight the nebula's "fuzzy" dusty rings and distinctive holes in the core, where faster material has penetrated. While the rings were first identified in 2010, Webb's capabilities allow for a deeper exploration of the nebula's structure and behavior. The central stars, seen as a single object, are encased in an orange dust arc and orbit tightly in a nine-year cycle. Located approximately 1,500 light-years away in the Taurus constellation, NGC 1514 has been evolving for at least 4,000 years and will continue to change for millennia to come. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 11 am

Hamas Loses Contact With Key Hostage Amid Gaza Truce Talks

Hamas announced on Tuesday that it has "lost contact" with the captors of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander following an Israeli airstrike, complicating efforts for his release amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting northern Gaza, vowed that Hamas would face continued military pressure as the Israeli offensive resumed after a two-month ceasefire. Amidst these tensions, Hamas released a video warning families of remaining hostages that their loved ones might return in coffins if bombardments persist. The group is reportedly considering an Israeli ceasefire proposal that includes the release of Alexander as a "gesture of goodwill." However, Hamas officials indicated that demands for disarmament from Israel are unacceptable. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating, with the UN warning of a crisis exacerbated by a lack of aid, as Israel has cut off all assistance since March 2. French President Emmanuel Macron urged for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 11 am

France Expels 12 Algerian Officials Amid Rising Tensions

France has expelled 12 Algerian diplomatic officials in a retaliatory move following Algeria's expulsion of an equal number of French diplomats, triggered by the recent arrest of an Algerian consular employee linked to the kidnapping of political influencer Amir Boukhors. Boukhors, a critic of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, was abducted outside his home near Paris in April by men posing as police, an incident that has intensified diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Algeria has vehemently denied involvement in the kidnapping and condemned the arrest of its consular staff as a violation of diplomatic norms. Relations have been strained since 2024, exacerbated by President Macron's support for Morocco in the Western Sahara dispute and the imprisonment of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal. Despite recent attempts at reconciliation, including a phone call between Macron and Tebboune, the mass expulsions represent a significant deterioration in bilateral ties. France has deemed Algeria's actions "unjustified and incomprehensible." sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 11 am

Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Visa Cancellation for Indian Student

A US federal judge has issued a ruling preventing the Trump administration from deporting 21-year-old Indian student Krish Lal Isserdasani, whose visa was abruptly cancelled just weeks before his graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The April 15 order, issued by Judge William Conley, prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from revoking Isserdasani's student visa or detaining him, as he was set to receive his bachelor's degree in computer engineering in early May. Isserdasani's visa was terminated on April 4 without warning or the chance to defend himself, following an incident in November 2024 that did not result in charges. His attorney, Shabnam Lotfi, hailed the decision as a significant victory for international students, with around 1,300 others facing similar abrupt visa terminations nationwide. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for April 28. sources

Published:
Apr 16 2025, 12 pm

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