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Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated legal proceedings against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 77, and several family members, including British anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq and World Health Organization official Saima Wazed. The cases stem from allegations of a large-scale land grab in a Dhaka suburb, where Hasina is accused of improperly allocating plots to herself and relatives. Hasina fled to India in August 2024 amid a revolution and has resisted extradition requests for charges including mass murder. The ACC's director general, Akhter Hossain, confirmed that the commission has gathered sufficient evidence for the cases, which will detail property acquisitions. Additionally, a separate investigation into alleged embezzlement of $5 billion related to the Russian-funded Rooppur nuclear power plant is ongoing. Siddiq has referred herself to the UK standards adviser following reports of her ties to properties linked to Hasina's administration. 
Published: Jan 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA French woman, identified as 53-year-old Anne, was scammed out of 800,000 euros after being convinced she was in a romantic relationship with actor Brad Pitt. The deception began when Anne received a message on Instagram from an account posing as Pitt's mother, followed by direct communication from a fake Pitt account. Despite never speaking on the phone, the scammer sent her AI-generated videos and love declarations, while requesting financial assistance for supposed medical expenses amid a divorce from Angelina Jolie. Anne, who had just finalized her own divorce and received a compensation of 775,000 euros, fell deeper into the scam, ultimately being asked to pay for a luxury gift that never arrived. The scheme unraveled in 2024 when Anne discovered reports of Pitt's real-life relationship, leading to severe depression. This incident mirrors a similar scam in Spain, where five individuals were arrested for defrauding two women by posing as the actor.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inMeta, the parent company of Facebook, is facing scrutiny from India's Parliamentary Standing Committee following comments made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding the 2024 Indian general elections. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey announced that Meta would be summoned to address allegations of misinformation after Zuckerberg suggested that incumbent governments globally, including India, lost elections post-COVID. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw refuted this claim, asserting that the Indian electorate reaffirmed their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 elections, which saw over 640 million voters participating. Despite setbacks for the BJP, the NDA coalition secured a majority, marking Modi's third consecutive term, a feat achieved by only one other Indian Prime Minister. Vaishnaw criticized Zuckerberg's remarks as factually incorrect and called for accountability from Meta to uphold credibility and facts.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBritish author Neil Gaiman, celebrated for his literary works such as _Good Omens_, _American Gods_, and _The Sandman_, faces serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from eight women, including a babysitter for his child. The accusations, detailed in a recent report, claim that Gaiman assaulted the nanny in February 2022 in a New Zealand bathtub and a hotel room, where he allegedly coerced her into calling him "master." Most of the accusers were in their 20s at the time of the incidents, while Gaiman was in his 40s or older. Gaiman, who began his writing career in 1984 and has received multiple prestigious awards, has denied the claims, prompting Disney to halt the production of _The Graveyard Book_ and delay _Good Omens_ season 3. The allegations have raised significant concerns in the literary community, leading to widespread media coverage.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn Sahiwal, Pakistan, a food vendor named Saleem Bagga has become a local sensation due to his striking resemblance to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Locals flock to Bagga's colorful cart for his popular kheer (pudding), drawn not only by the dessert but also by his engaging performances, which include singing Punjabi songs. Mohammad Yaseen, a customer, expressed that it feels as if Trump himself has come to sell kheer, while another resident, Imran Ashraf, enjoys taking selfies with Bagga, proudly sharing them with friends. Bagga, who sports a distinctive blond quiff due to his albinism, embraces the attention, stating, "I feel very good." He even extended an invitation to Trump, suggesting that the newly elected president should visit and try his delicious kheer. The vendor's charm and culinary skills have made him a beloved figure in the bustling market of Punjab's eastern region.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndians seeking work visas for Saudi Arabia will now be required to undergo a pre-verification of their professional and educational qualifications, effective January 14, according to a circular from the Saudi mission in India. This new mandate aims to control the influx of Indian workers, given the limited capacity of training centres, while enhancing quality standards and facilitating smoother access to the Saudi labour market. The move is expected to streamline recruitment processes and improve worker retention rates. Employers are encouraged to verify the credentials of expatriate employees. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has updated regulations regarding exit and re-entry visa extensions and Iqama renewals, allowing expatriates, including those abroad, to renew their residency permits. Indians constitute the second-largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, with over 2.4 million workers, yet there are concerns about the availability of verification test centres, particularly for those in southern India.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inWarren Buffett, the 94-year-old billionaire investor and co-founder of Berkshire Hathaway, has named his middle child, Howard "Howie" Buffett, as his successor. Howie, 70, will assume the role of non-executive chairman of the $1 trillion business empire, overseeing a new charitable trust that will manage $140 billion in Berkshire stocks aimed at philanthropic efforts. Buffett, who has long planned for this transition, emphasized that his three children will not inherit his wealth but will instead manage the trust. Howie, who has served on Berkshire's board for over 30 years, expressed readiness for the role, crediting his father's influence and teachings. His background includes experience in business, farming, and public service, as he has held various roles, including sheriff of Macon County, Illinois. Howie has also founded a charitable foundation focused on conservation and authored eight books on related topics.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAs confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald J. Trump's cabinet picks begin in Washington, DC, senators will scrutinize over a dozen nominees, with the process commencing on Tuesday. Among the nominees, Pete Hegseth, Trump's choice for Secretary of Defence, faces significant scrutiny due to allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking, raising concerns about his qualifications for national security decisions. Other controversial nominees include Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, whose past comments on US adversaries have sparked alarm, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine advocate nominated for Secretary of Health and Human Services. While some nominees, like Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, are expected to receive bipartisan support, the hearings present a critical test for Trump’s administration as both parties assess the fitness of his selections. The outcome of these hearings will shape the early dynamics of Trump's presidency and his relationship with the Senate.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 2 pmeznews.inOn January 20, the US Capitol will host the inauguration of President Trump, marking a pivotal moment for US-India relations. With a shared commitment to democracy and strategic interests, the new administration is set to enhance bilateral ties, fostering a greater socio-economic partnership. This collaboration is expected to focus on fair trade, clean energy, and supply chain diversification, aligning with India's aspirations as a global manufacturing hub. The Indo-Pacific region will be a key area of convergence, as both nations address security challenges and strengthen the Quad alliance with Japan and Australia. Additionally, the US aims to bolster cybersecurity and defense cooperation, while the Indian diaspora in America continues to enrich cultural and economic ties. As the new administration takes office, the opportunity to deepen this partnership could serve as a model for international collaboration in addressing global challenges.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn his newly released autobiography, "Hope: The Autobiography," Pope Francis reveals that his predecessor, Benedict XVI, entrusted him with a large white box of confidential documents addressing serious issues within the Vatican, including corruption and child sexual abuse cases. Benedict reportedly urged Francis to continue his efforts in tackling these challenges, stating, "I have arrived this far... now it's your turn." Francis expressed a deep sense of responsibility for the Church's past failures, acknowledging the "terrible damage" caused by abusive clergy and emphasizing the need for repentance. He praised Benedict as a "father and brother" despite acknowledging the controversies surrounding his papacy, particularly regarding the handling of abuse scandals. Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has implemented measures to combat corruption and enhance financial transparency within the Vatican. The autobiography, initially intended for posthumous release, was published in light of the new Jubilee of Hope year.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAt least 24 people have tragically lost their lives in the devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California, including an amputee father and his son with cerebral palsy, a former child star, and an elderly woman who refused to evacuate without her pets. Anthony Mitchell, confined to a wheelchair, and his son Justin perished in their Altadena home, found together after Mr. Mitchell had planned to evacuate. Eighty-five-year-old Annette Rossilli chose to stay with her pets despite warnings, while 66-year-old Victor Shaw succumbed to smoke inhalation after attempting to fight the flames. Other victims include Rory Callum Sykes, a former child star known for his philanthropy, and Randy Miod, who believed he could protect his Malibu home. Eight of the deaths are linked to the Palisades Fire, with the remaining 16 attributed to the Eaton Fire, and authorities caution that the death toll may continue to rise.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 12 pm
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