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US President Joe Biden stated on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in "tough shape" following extensive sanctions imposed by Washington and London on Moscow's energy sector due to its invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden emphasized the importance of not allowing Putin any "breathing room" to continue his aggressive actions. He expressed optimism about Ukraine's chances of prevailing in the conflict, contingent on ongoing Western support. This statement comes just days before Donald Trump is set to assume the US presidency, highlighting the urgency of the situation in Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly met with US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Friday, according to Semafor. Neither Meta nor Trump's transition team responded to requests for comment from Reuters. In a significant shift, Meta announced the termination of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which encompassed hiring, training, and supplier selection, in a memo to staff. This decision follows the company's earlier move to abolish its US fact-checking program and to ease restrictions on discussions surrounding contentious issues like immigration and gender identity. These changes come as Trump prepares for his second term in office and reflect Meta's response to mounting criticism from conservative groups.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 8 ameznews.inA Malaysian High Court has ordered two doctors to pay 6 million ringgit (approximately Rs 11.42 crore) to the family of Punitha Mohan, who died from severe bleeding after childbirth in 2019. The court found that Dr. Muniandi Shanmugam and Dr. Akambaram Ravi, along with three nurses, were negligent in their care at the Shan Clinic and Birth Centre in Klang. Justice Norliza Othman stated that the doctors failed to monitor Mohan's condition adequately after her placenta was removed, with Dr. Ravi leaving the hospital to buy a drink during a critical moment. The damages awarded include compensation for the woman's pain and suffering, as well as for her two children and parents. The judge emphasized that this tragic incident could have been prevented with timely action and proper monitoring, highlighting the doctors' neglect in addressing common childbirth complications.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 8 ameznews.inEmergency managers in Los Angeles issued an apology after erroneous evacuation alerts caused widespread panic amid ongoing wildfires that have devastated 35,000 acres and resulted in ten fatalities. Millions of mobile phones received automated warnings on Thursday and Friday, urging residents to prepare for evacuation, even in areas far from danger zones. A clarification was sent shortly after the initial alerts, stating they only applied to the Kenneth Fire, but another false alert followed early Friday. Kevin McGowan, director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, expressed regret for the "frustration, anger, and fear" caused by the mistakes, which he attributed to a possible coding error. Despite the issues, experts emphasize the importance of such alert systems in saving lives during emergencies. Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath deemed the errors "unacceptable," highlighting the need for reliable communication during crises.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a recent podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarified the concept of "minimum government, maximum governance," emphasizing that it does not equate to fewer ministers or employees. Instead, he highlighted his administration's efforts to streamline operations by abolishing 40,000 compliances and 1,500 outdated laws, thereby increasing departmental efficiency. Modi also praised India's technological advancements, claiming the country has successfully democratized technology, enabling rapid financial transactions for millions. Reflecting on India's evolving global perception, he recalled his 2005 assertion that the world would queue for Indian visas, which he believes is now becoming a reality. Additionally, he addressed his stance on international conflicts, asserting that India advocates for peace rather than neutrality, which has bolstered the nation's credibility on the global stage. Modi's remarks underscore his vision for India's growth and influence by 2047.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 7 ameznews.inAt least 11 people have died and over 100,000 have been ordered to evacuate as wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, California. The fires have spread across more than 20,000 acres, particularly affecting the Pacific Palisades area. Amid the crisis, some conservative figures, including billionaires Elon Musk and Bill Ackman, have controversially blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Los Angeles Fire Department for the spread of the flames. Musk claimed that "DEI means people DIE," while Ackman called for a return to merit-based hiring. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has directed criticism at California Governor Gavin Newsom, attributing the fires to environmental policies protecting the Delta smelt, a small fish. Experts note that while wildfires are natural, climate change exacerbates their frequency and intensity, with recent dry conditions providing ample fuel for the blazes.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 7 ameznews.inOutgoing US President Joe Biden stated on Friday that he believed he could have defeated Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential elections but chose to withdraw from the race to promote unity within the Democratic Party. During a White House press conference, Biden expressed confidence in both his and Vice President Kamala Harris's potential to win against Trump. He emphasized that his decision to step aside was motivated by a desire to prevent a divided party from losing the election. Following criticism from party leaders after a poor debate performance in June, Biden endorsed Harris as the Democratic candidate. However, Harris ultimately lost to Trump in the November elections, which saw the Republican Party regain control of the White House and maintain majorities in Congress. Biden also affirmed Harris's capabilities for a future presidential run, stating that the decision would ultimately rest with her. He plans to deliver a farewell address on January 15.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 7 ameznews.inA January 6 rioter, 32-year-old Antony Vo from Indiana, was arrested in Whistler, British Columbia, on the four-year anniversary of the Capitol assault, Canadian authorities confirmed on Friday. Vo had been sentenced to nine months in prison for his involvement in the 2021 riot but fled to Canada instead of reporting to a U.S. federal prison. He expressed hopes of receiving a pardon from President-elect Donald Trump upon his return to office. The Canada Border Services Agency noted that Vo had no official record of entry into Canada and is legally obligated to return foreign nationals not permitted in the country. A hearing regarding Vo's request to remain in Canada is set for January 15. Over 1,500 individuals have faced charges related to the January 6 events, which aimed to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden's election victory.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inUS President Joe Biden described the scene in Los Angeles as resembling a "war scene" as wildfires ravaged neighborhoods, prompting authorities to impose a nighttime curfew due to fears of looting. During a briefing at the White House, Biden noted "clear evidence" of looting in affected areas, emphasizing the need for security support from the military and National Guard. He condemned the actions of "demagogues" who spread misinformation regarding the fires, making a veiled reference to incoming president Donald Trump, whose statements have been amplified on social media. Biden's remarks underscore the severity of the situation as the city grapples with both the devastation caused by the wildfires and the challenges of maintaining order amidst the chaos.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inUS President Joe Biden has criticized Meta's recent decision to terminate its third-party fact-checking program in the United States, calling it "shameful." Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden emphasized the importance of truth, questioning the implications of allowing false information to proliferate on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The announcement, made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, claimed that the fact-checking initiative was perceived as "too politically biased" and led to excessive censorship. Instead, Meta plans to implement a "Community Notes" system, a crowd-sourced moderation tool similar to that used by X (formerly Twitter), though its effectiveness in combating misinformation has been questioned by researchers. This move follows ongoing accusations from conservative groups alleging that their voices were being suppressed under the pretext of fighting misinformation, a claim that professional fact-checkers dispute.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 am
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