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US entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, renowned for his age-reversal initiatives, expressed his astonishment at India's air pollution during his first visit in December. In a recent video, he highlighted the alarming air quality, likening breathing the air to smoking multiple cigarettes daily, and questioned why Indian leaders have not declared it a national emergency. Johnson noted the public's apparent indifference, stating, "It's awful, it's like in the middle of a fire," and observed that few people wear masks or use air purifiers. His remarks have sparked varied reactions on social media, with some users urging government action, while others criticized his comments as detrimental to India's image. During his stay, Johnson suffered health issues attributed to the pollution and even walked out of a podcast interview due to poor air quality. Despite these concerns, he praised India's vibrant culture and rich history, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he received. 
Published: Apr 10 2025, 12 pmeznews.inOpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued an urgent call for engineers and system designers to join the company, emphasizing a pressing need for expertise in large-scale computing and infrastructure. In recent posts on X, Altman highlighted the "insane" scale of current challenges at OpenAI, particularly for those skilled in maximizing system performance and with backgrounds in compiler or programming language design. This recruitment drive coincides with OpenAI securing a $40 billion investment from SoftBank Group, aimed at advancing AI technologies and pursuing the ambitious goal of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Additionally, the Stargate Project aims to invest $500 billion over four years to bolster AI infrastructure in the U.S. and potentially abroad. The push for new talent reflects the increasing strain on OpenAI's systems, especially as user activity for its flagship tool, ChatGPT, has surged dramatically, exacerbating existing GPU shortages.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 10 ameznews.inPresident Donald Trump expressed hesitance to further increase tariffs on China during a press briefing in the Oval Office, citing concerns that escalating duties could hinder trade between the two nations. He claimed that officials representing Chinese President Xi Jinping had made attempts to initiate discussions, although he avoided confirming direct communication with Xi. Trump emphasized his positive relationship with Xi and noted that he might consider reducing tariffs to encourage consumer purchasing. Currently, the U.S. has imposed a staggering 145% in tariffs on Chinese goods, while China retaliated with 125% tariffs on U.S. products. Despite the high stakes, Trump remained optimistic about reaching a trade agreement, including concessions related to TikTok’s U.S. operations, which he suggested could be discussed in the context of a broader deal. He indicated that China's resistance to tariffs had previously stalled negotiations regarding the popular video-sharing app.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 11 ameznews.inInternational Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasized the need for the U.S. and China to address their trade grievances and work towards a fairer, rules-based trading system. Speaking in Washington ahead of the upcoming IMF and World Bank spring meetings, she noted that both nations have significant issues, including U.S. concerns over China's intellectual property practices and non-tariff barriers. Georgieva welcomed India's recent move to reduce trade barriers, suggesting it could enhance the country's growth prospects. She highlighted the potential for tariff reductions in the European Union as well, which could foster broader bilateral and plurilateral trade agreements. While refraining from directly criticizing U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump, she warned that rising trade barriers contribute to negative perceptions of the multilateral trade system, urging for a resolution to reduce uncertainty and improve global economic stability.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a significant advancement for India's inaugural high-speed rail corridor, Japan has announced it will supply two sets of its renowned Shinkansen trains at no cost to aid in testing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, currently under construction. The trains, one from the E5 series and one from the E3 series, are expected to arrive in early 2026, equipped with inspection tools to gather vital data on environmental challenges such as high temperatures and dust. This landmark project, overseen by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration across key cities. Funding for the project relies heavily on low-interest yen loans from Japan, covering about 80% of costs. As India prepares to introduce domestically made semi-high-speed trains in the interim, the collaboration signifies a crucial step towards implementing next-generation E10 trains in the early 2030s, reinforcing Japan's commitment to the project.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 9 ameznews.inHundreds gathered at the University of California, Berkeley, on Thursday to protest against President Donald Trump's administration, which has been accused of undermining American universities. This demonstration was part of a nationwide "Rally for the Right to Learn!" event, sparked by the administration's criticism of universities' handling of pro-Palestinian protests following the 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel. Trump labeled institutions like Harvard as "disgraceful," questioning their tax-exempt status and alleging they support "Marxism" and "radical left" ideologies. Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the administration's demands for control over academic programs, while Columbia University faced funding cuts after negotiations failed. Amidst ongoing scrutiny, the IRS is reportedly considering revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status, a move the university argues would have dire consequences for its financial aid and research capabilities. White House officials stated that any IRS actions would be independent of presidential influence.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe FBI has released an image of Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Passia, following his arrest by the Immigration Department in the United States. Singh is linked to a series of 14 terrorist attacks that have occurred in Punjab over the past six months, raising significant concerns about international terrorism and its implications. His capture marks a critical development in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, particularly given the scale of violence attributed to him. The investigation is likely to uncover more details about his activities and connections, as authorities work to ensure that such threats are neutralized. This incident underscores the complex nature of global terrorism and the need for collaboration between nations in addressing these challenges.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe United States has introduced new port fees targeting Chinese-built and operated ships as part of efforts to bolster its domestic shipbuilding industry and reduce China's influence in the sector. Announced by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, these fees will apply to each Chinese-linked vessel's US voyage, with rates starting at $18 per ton or $120 per container, potentially costing up to $1.8 million for larger ships. The fees, effective mid-October, will be assessed up to five times a year and can be waived if the ship owner orders a US-built vessel. Amid growing trade tensions, the move aims to counter China's dominance, which currently accounts for nearly half of global shipbuilding. Concerns have been raised by US industry groups about the potential impact on import prices, while additional tariffs on certain Chinese cargo equipment are also being proposed.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 10 ameznews.inAn Indian-descent doctor, Neil Anand, 48, has been convicted in Pennsylvania of a $2.3 million conspiracy involving the illegal distribution of controlled substances and healthcare fraud, according to the US Justice Department. Anand was found guilty of issuing pre-signed prescriptions for oxycodone, enabling just nine patients to obtain over 20,000 tablets of the addictive opioid. He also provided "medically unnecessary prescription medications" in "Goody Bags" through his own pharmacies, billing insurance companies for these unneeded drugs. Prosecutors revealed that Anand attempted to conceal his fraud proceeds by transferring approximately $1.2 million to an account in his father's name. Anand was originally charged in 2019 alongside three others, none of whom were licensed to practice medicine in the US. He is set to be sentenced in August. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the opioid crisis in the United States.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe US military has targeted the Ras Issa fuel port in Yemen, a strategic supply line for the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, resulting in reported casualties of 20, including five paramedics, according to Houthi officials. This strike, part of a broader campaign initiated on March 15, aims to disrupt the Houthis' funding and operational capabilities amid their recent attacks on civilian shipping in the Red Sea, which began in late 2023 in solidarity with Palestinians. The US Central Command stated the action was intended to degrade the Houthis' economic power, which has allegedly contributed to regional instability for over a decade. Meanwhile, a French frigate reportedly intercepted a drone launched from Yemen, highlighting ongoing international military efforts to secure maritime routes. The US State Department also accused a Chinese satellite firm of aiding Houthi operations, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inTata Consultancy Services (TCS) has responded to allegations of discrimination against American workers, stating that the claims are "meritless and misleading." The allegations, reported by Bloomberg, were made by former employees, primarily those over 40 and of non-South Asian descent, who assert they were disproportionately affected by layoffs compared to Indian colleagues on H1-B visas. TCS emphasized its commitment to being an equal opportunity employer, highlighting its integrity in operations. Similar accusations have emerged in the UK, where former employees alleged discrimination based on age and nationality. Amid these controversies, TCS has reportedly delayed salary hikes in India due to uncertainties related to US tariffs, while its attrition rate rose slightly to 13.3%. The company's consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter fell nearly 2% year-on-year to Rs 12,293 crore, although revenue from operations increased by 5.3% to Rs 64,479 crore.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 8 am
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