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Amitav Ghosh, the acclaimed author, delivered a dire warning during the Dr CD Deshmukh Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, suggesting that Silicon Valley elites are bracing for a potential global collapse, referred to as "The Event." Ghosh highlighted the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and emerging pathogens, stating it is a mistake to view these issues in isolation. He criticized the mindset of the elite, who believe that the global South will disproportionately suffer during such a catastrophe, viewing it as an "exterminatory event." Ghosh condemned this perspective as dangerous and naive, arguing that true resilience lies outside the systems that the privileged inhabit. While acknowledging concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, he humorously remarked that he is more troubled by its failure to correctly spell his name. The lecture also marked the launch of his new book, "Wild Fictions," attended by notable figures in Indian society. 
Published: Jan 15 2025, 1 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump announced a delay on certain tariffs targeting Canada and Mexico, providing relief to companies and consumers after financial markets reacted negatively to the initial 25 percent duties that took effect on Tuesday. This temporary halt, lasting until April 2, follows discussions with major US automakers and aims to alleviate pressure on the auto sector, where parts frequently cross borders. While about 62 percent of Canadian imports will still face tariffs, many are energy products at a reduced rate. Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed that Canada would pause its countermeasures on $125 billion of US goods during this period. Despite the tariff delay, US stock markets continued to decline, reflecting ongoing economic uncertainties. Trump emphasized the need for further tariffs, stating they would be "reciprocal," while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed a commitment to removing all tariffs amid lingering trade tensions. 
Published: Mar 07 2025, 6 ameznews.inThe US State Department plans to leverage artificial intelligence to revoke visas of foreign students deemed supporters of Hamas, following President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at combating antisemitism. This "Catch and Revoke" initiative will involve AI-assisted scrutiny of social media accounts belonging to thousands of student visa holders, as part of a broader effort to address antisemitism amid ongoing pro-Palestinian protests linked to the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. While some pro-Palestinian groups include Jewish members and have condemned antisemitism, incidents of both antisemitism and Islamophobia have occurred during demonstrations. Trump has threatened to cut federal funding to educational institutions that permit what he describes as illegal protests, asserting that "agitators" will face severe consequences. Rights advocates have criticized his stance, citing First Amendment protections for free speech and assembly. The situation unfolds against the backdrop of significant violence in the region, with high casualties reported on both sides. 
Published: Mar 07 2025, 6 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to create a strategic bitcoin reserve, coinciding with a planned meeting with cryptocurrency executives at the White House. The reserve will be funded by bitcoin seized through federal asset forfeiture, according to White House crypto czar David Sacks. During Friday's summit, Trump is expected to formally unveil his plans, which include bitcoin and four other cryptocurrencies: ether, XRP, solana, and cardano. This announcement has already influenced the market value of these digital assets. However, the mechanics of the reserve and its benefits for taxpayers remain unclear, raising concerns among some conservatives and crypto advocates about potential giveaways to affluent investors. Additionally, Trump's ties to the crypto industry, including his family's launch of meme coins and his stake in a crypto platform, have sparked conflict-of-interest worries, although aides assert he has relinquished control of his business dealings for ethical review. 
Published: Mar 07 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a controversial statement, Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trump's special envoy on Russia and Ukraine, attributed the recent suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine to the country's own actions. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, Kellogg likened the aid cut to "hitting a mule with a two-by-four," suggesting it was intended as a stark wake-up call for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who failed to sign a crucial mineral rights sharing deal tied to U.S. support. While Kellogg emphasized that the aid pause should be temporary, he noted that the decision ultimately rests with Trump. This follows Zelensky's visit to Washington, where tensions escalated as he questioned the reliability of Russian commitments, leading to accusations of ingratitude from Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Kellogg also highlighted ongoing U.S. efforts to pressure Russia through sanctions enforcement. 
Published: Mar 07 2025, 1 ameznews.inIn a meeting with relatives of soldiers killed in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin asserted that Russia would pursue a peace deal that ensures its long-term security and would not relinquish any territorial gains made during the conflict. Referring indirectly to French President Emmanuel Macron, Putin warned Western leaders against underestimating the Russian people, alluding to the disastrous fate of Napoleon Bonaparte's 1812 invasion. He emphasized the need for a peace agreement that aligns with Russia's interests, dismissing any notion of retreat from the approximately 113,000 square kilometers currently controlled by Russian forces. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's recent shift in policy regarding Ukraine, which includes bilateral talks with Moscow and a pause in military aid to Kyiv, has sparked both hope for peace talks and concern among European allies. Macron's comments branding Russia as a threat have drawn mockery from Moscow, which criticized him as "Micron" and invoked historical parallels to Napoleon. 
Published: Mar 06 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA trade dispute between Canada and the US has intensified, prompting several Canadian provinces to withdraw American-made alcohol from their store shelves. This action is a retaliation against the Trump administration's 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Lawson Whiting, CEO of Brown-Forman, which produces Jack Daniel's, condemned the Canadian response as "worse than tariffs," arguing it completely eliminates their sales. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), a major alcohol buyer, removed US products, affecting nearly $1 billion in annual sales. In retaliation, Canada has imposed its own 25% tariffs on American goods, fostering a nationalist sentiment among Canadians who are increasingly opting for local products. Although Canada represents just 1% of Brown-Forman's sales, the company is also monitoring the situation in Mexico, which accounted for 7% of its sales. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly have strongly criticized US actions, raising concerns over economic impacts and national sovereignty. 
Published: Mar 07 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe US trade deficit reached a record high of $131.4 billion in January, marking a 34% increase from the previous month, as imports surged amid tariff concerns during President Donald Trump's inauguration. The Commerce Department reported a 10% rise in imports, totaling $401.2 billion, while exports increased by $3.3 billion to $269.8 billion. This deficit is the widest recorded since 1992, exceeding analysts' expectations. Economists suggest that the spike in imports, particularly of industrial and consumer goods, may be a preemptive response to potential tariffs, with notable increases in gold imports linked to fears of tariff proposals. Trump has indicated plans for "reciprocal tariffs" aimed at addressing perceived trade imbalances, with an announcement expected on April 2. The widening deficits with China and the EU reflect ongoing tensions, reminiscent of Trump's previous trade policies during his first term. 
Published: Mar 06 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would pause the sweeping tariffs previously imposed on Mexican imports following productive discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump highlighted the positive relationship between the two nations, stating that the new tariffs would not impact trade covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) until April 2. In response, Sheinbaum commended the "unprecedented results" of their collaboration, particularly regarding migration and security issues. She expressed her satisfaction with the "excellent and respectful" conversation she had with Trump, emphasizing the commitment to ongoing cooperation between the two countries. The decision to suspend tariffs reflects a strategic move to strengthen ties amid ongoing negotiations. 
Published: Mar 06 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn 2024, Indian women hosts on Airbnb have generated approximately Rs 260 crore, representing nearly 30% of the platform's hosts in the country, and demonstrating a significant impact on the hospitality sector. Over 56% of these hosts received five-star reviews, with women accounting for 35% of the most popular listings. Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb's Country Head for India and Southeast Asia, emphasized the importance of empowering women in hospitality and travel, particularly as female travellers increasingly seek new experiences. Millennial travellers lead bookings, with many women preferring to travel in groups for short trips, typically lasting two to six nights. Goa remains the top domestic destination for women, while Varanasi has seen a remarkable 75% increase in bookings. Internationally, London is the preferred destination, with Tbilisi in Georgia emerging as the top trending location, boasting a 145% rise in bookings compared to the previous year. 
Published: Mar 06 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, highlighted the significance of Iftar celebrations during an event at the UAE Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday, describing it as a "really special" occasion for both him and the embassy. Since hosting its inaugural Iftar a few years ago, the event has expanded in scale and importance annually, reflecting the UAE's values of compassion and cultural connection with India. Alshaali pointed to the recent opening of the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi as a testament to the strengthening ties between the two nations, which are also flourishing in economic and trade sectors. He announced a forthcoming high-level visit in April, anticipated to further enhance diplomatic relations. The Iftar gathering, attended by dignitaries and business leaders, underscored the deep-rooted friendship between the UAE and India, celebrating their shared cultural heritage. 
Published: Mar 06 2025, 11 pm
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