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Apple is facing a lawsuit from consumers who allege that its claims of carbon neutrality for three models of Apple Watches—Series 9, SE, and Ultra 2—are misleading. Filed in a San Jose federal court, the complaint by seven purchasers from California, Florida, and Washington, asserts that they would not have bought the watches or would have paid less had they known the truth. Launched in September 2023, Apple touted the watches as carbon neutral due to reduced emissions and carbon offset purchases. However, plaintiffs argue that the offset projects in Kenya and China did not produce genuine carbon reductions, as much of the land in question was already protected or forested before the projects began. They contend that Apple's claims are false and misleading, seeking unspecified damages and an injunction against the marketing of the watches as carbon neutral. Apple has not yet commented on the lawsuit. 
Published: Feb 27 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a tragic incident in Sacramento, California, Indian student Nilam Shinde was severely injured in a hit-and-run accident on February 14. The 58-year-old driver, Lawrence Gallow, fled the scene but was arrested five days later on February 19, facing felony charges for causing permanent injury. Shinde, a post-graduate student at California State University from Maharashtra's Satara, suffered multiple fractures and underwent emergency brain surgery, remaining in a coma. Her family initially faced delays in securing a US visa to visit her, but intervention from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expedited their appointment. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco expressed support for Shinde's family, confirming ongoing assistance during this difficult time. The university has also reached out for travel permits to facilitate family visits as Shinde's condition remains critical.
Published: Feb 27 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a significant advancement for China's tech landscape, home appliance brands are integrating DeepSeek's artificial intelligence models into their products, including TVs, fridges, and robot vacuum cleaners. The Hangzhou-based startup has emerged as a formidable player in the AI sector, outperforming Western counterparts at a fraction of the cost, thereby bolstering national pride amid U.S. efforts to curb China's technological progress. DeepSeek's founder, Liang Wenfeng, has received accolades from Chinese authorities, with plans to launch the R2 model soon, following the success of R1. Major manufacturers like Haier, Hisense, and TCL Electronics join industry giants such as Huawei and Tencent in adopting DeepSeek's technology. Enhanced capabilities will allow devices to execute complex commands with greater precision, as exemplified by a robotic vacuum cleaner's ability to navigate obstacles and follow intricate instructions, such as avoiding children's toys while cleaning.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe United States has enacted significant cuts to its overseas development and aid programs, with the State Department reporting a staggering 92 percent reduction in multi-year contracts, amounting to $54 billion. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump initiated a 90-day freeze on foreign aid to reassess spending in line with his "America First" policy. The review led to the elimination of nearly 5,800 contracts and 4,100 grants, totaling a 28 percent reduction of $4.4 billion. While many programs were slashed, critical initiatives such as food assistance and medical treatments for diseases like HIV and malaria remained intact. The cuts prompted layoffs of 1,600 USAID employees and placed others on administrative leave. Meanwhile, a federal judge ordered the administration to restore aid, but the Supreme Court granted a temporary hold on this directive.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inWorkers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were permitted to briefly return to their Washington headquarters on Thursday to collect personal belongings, following a drastic decision by the Trump administration to cut over 90% of the agency's aid contracts. This sweeping move, part of a 90-day pause on foreign aid initiated in January for a review aligned with Trump's "America First" policy, has thrown USAID into disarray, halting global operations and jeopardizing vital humanitarian assistance. Thousands of employees were put on leave, and many are not expected to return. As laid-off staff exited the building, they were met with support from onlookers, including an emotional scene with a young girl holding a sign for her father. Although some critical aid programs remain, major funding cuts have affected crucial health initiatives, including HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa and contracts with UNAIDS.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inDonald Trump has accepted an invitation from King Charles for a state visit to Britain, making him the first elected U.S. president in modern history to be hosted for two state visits by a British monarch. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered the invitation during a White House press conference, to which Trump responded affirmatively, expressing enthusiasm for the visit alongside First Lady Melania Trump. The date for the visit has yet to be announced. Trump previously visited the UK for a three-day state visit in June 2019, hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II, and was one of only three U.S. presidents to receive such an honor during her 70-year reign. His visits have historically sparked significant protests, with his 2018 trip costing police over £14 million due to extensive security measures.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inNael Barghouti, the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner in Israeli jails, was released on Thursday after spending 45 years incarcerated, including 34 years consecutively. His release was part of a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, which included a hostage-prisoner swap. Barghouti was initially arrested in 1978 for the murder of an Israeli officer while affiliated with Fatah, the party of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. Following his release, he was expelled to Egypt. The latest swap marked the seventh and final exchange in the initial phase of the ceasefire that began on January 19, which has significantly reduced violence after over 15 months of conflict that devastated Gaza. Under the terms of the truce, Israel released 643 Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages and freed 25 live Israeli hostages, alongside five Thai prisoners. Barghouti had previously been released in a 2011 exchange but was re-arrested in 2014.
Published: Feb 27 2025, 10 pmeznews.inPope Francis has been hospitalized for 14 days due to double pneumonia, marking the longest stay of his papacy. While the Vatican reports slight improvement in his condition, doctors caution that his prognosis remains "reserved." The 88-year-old pontiff, known for his resilience despite ongoing health issues, may face a prolonged recovery period, impacting his ability to resume his rigorous schedule, including the upcoming Easter celebrations and the significant Jubilee year in 2025. Speculation about his potential resignation has intensified, with experts suggesting he may consider stepping down after the Jubilee, particularly if his health does not improve. Should the pope pass away, Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell would manage Church affairs until a new pope is elected, with conclave meetings expected to occur 15 to 20 days posthumously. Francis continues to work from his hospital bed, indicating his commitment to his role as leader of the global Catholic Church.
Published: Feb 27 2025, 10 pmeznews.inElon Musk, appointed by former President Donald Trump to streamline the US government, proposed on Thursday that Congress members should receive salary increases to mitigate corruption. Musk, who holds significant influence as an advisor within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), suggested that higher compensation could reduce corruption costs, which he claimed could be up to 1,000 times more burdensome to taxpayers. Historically, lawmakers have resisted salary hikes due to public perception, despite acknowledging that competitive salaries are vital for attracting diverse candidates. A proposed salary adjustment was recently removed from a short-term funding bill, with Musk inaccurately asserting it would result in a 40 percent increase, while the actual adjustment would have been about $6,600. Amidst controversy surrounding the DOGE initiative, which has seen staff resignations and pushback from cabinet members, Musk emphasized the urgency of government reform, warning of potential bankruptcy.
Published: Feb 27 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking discovery, scientists examining the remains of a man who perished during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD have found that his brain was transformed into glass-like fragments, a phenomenon known as vitrification. This unique case was attributed to a sudden hot ash cloud that enveloped Herculaneum, causing instant death among its inhabitants. Researchers determined that the brain's organic material was rapidly exposed to temperatures exceeding 510 degrees Celsius (950 degrees Fahrenheit), followed by swift cooling, resulting in the preservation of its microstructures. The study, led by forensic anthropologist Pier Paolo Petrone, revealed that these glassy remains contained proteins and fatty acids characteristic of human brain tissue. The findings underscore the lethal nature of volcanic ash clouds and enhance our understanding of the catastrophic events that unfolded during the eruption, which obliterated the thriving Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Published: Feb 27 2025, 11 pmeznews.inPresident Donald Trump is nearing a deal with Ukraine that would grant the U.S. preferential access to the country's substantial raw material reserves, although the true value of these resources remains uncertain due to outdated Soviet-era surveys. According to a draft agreement reported by Economic Pravda, Ukraine would allocate 50% of its state-owned natural resource revenues to a domestic investment fund, but the deal lacks U.S. security guarantees. While Ukraine is believed to hold around 5% of the world's critical raw materials, including lithium and uranium, only a fraction of its mineral deposits are considered viable for development. Significant investment, estimated at $15 billion for major mining projects, is required, and the extraction process is expected to be costly and lengthy. Additionally, many valuable prospects lie in Russian-occupied territories, complicating the situation as Trump weighs support for Ukraine against potential negotiations with Russia.
Published: Feb 27 2025, 9 pm
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