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In a sharp response to US allegations of testing 'dogfighting' satellites, China has dismissed the claims as a "budget-driven" tactic aimed at stifling its space advancements. A report from the state-run Global Times asserted that Beijing's space programme is focused on peaceful purposes, countering assertions made by General Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force, who described observing five Chinese satellites performing synchronized maneuvers in low Earth orbit. Guetlein characterized these actions as "dogfighting" in space, suggesting they reflect a strategic military capability. Beijing accused the US of using such narratives to justify increased military spending and promote a "China, Russia threat theory," particularly in light of budget cuts proposed under the new administration following President Trump's return to office. The ongoing tension highlights a growing competition in space capabilities, with Western officials expressing concerns over China's satellite operations since the launch of the Shiyan satellites in 2022. 
Published: Mar 24 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn a televised address on the eve of Bangladesh's 53rd Independence Day, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus condemned the spread of what he termed a "festival of rumours" aimed at undermining his interim government, attributing the disinformation to "the defeated forces," a reference to the regime of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus urged citizens to remain vigilant against these misleading narratives, particularly as the nation approaches elections scheduled for July-August 2024. He emphasized the importance of unity in the face of these challenges, warning that the sources of these rumours are intent on destabilizing the government. Yunus also highlighted the historical significance of March 25, marking the start of Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971, and called for international cooperation, notably from the United Nations, to combat the spread of disinformation. Meanwhile, political analysts noted a rise in ultraright and Islamist sentiments, threatening the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 8 ameznews.inPresident Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at overhauling U.S. election processes, emphasizing the need for stricter voter identification and mail-in ballot regulations. The order mandates that voters provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, and requires that mail-in ballots be cast and received by Election Day. Citing examples from countries like India and Germany, Trump criticized the U.S. for not enforcing adequate election protections, highlighting the reliance on self-attestation for citizenship and a lack of uniform ballot counting methods. The order also prohibits foreign nationals from donating to U.S. elections, aiming to prevent foreign interference. Trump asserted that ensuring free and fair elections is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the Republic, stating that the right of American citizens to have their votes counted without illegal dilution is vital. The order also directs federal agencies to assist states in identifying noncitizens on voter rolls. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 8 ameznews.inHundreds of Palestinians participated in a significant anti-Hamas protest in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, marking the largest demonstration against the group since the conflict with Israel reignited. The rally, which occurred following a week of renewed Israeli airstrikes, saw demonstrators chanting slogans like "out, out, out, Hamas out" and calling for an end to the war. Protesters claimed they were motivated by a desire for peace and normalcy, with some expressing frustration over Hamas’s governance. However, armed Hamas militants reportedly dispersed the crowd, leading to confrontations. The protests were organized via social media, reflecting growing discontent towards Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007. As the humanitarian situation worsens amid ongoing violence, calls for Hamas to relinquish power have intensified, with rival factions urging the group to prioritize the welfare of Gazans. The conflict, which reignited after Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 8 ameznews.inLuigi Mangione, a 26-year-old accused of murdering health insurance CEO Brian Thompson, has requested a laptop to aid his legal defense while incarcerated. Thompson, a father of two and long-time employee of UnitedHealthcare, was allegedly shot dead outside a Manhattan hotel in December. In a court filing, Mangione's lawyers argued that the laptop would facilitate his review of over 15,000 pages of case materials, asserting that existing attorney meeting hours are insufficient for adequate preparation. The device would be restricted to prevent internet access and communications. Prosecutors, however, oppose the request, citing concerns about potential witness intimidation. Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to state charges, faces a rare New York murder charge as an act of terrorism and a separate federal case that could lead to the death penalty. He was arrested shortly after Thompson's death and also faces gun possession charges in Pennsylvania. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 8 ameznews.inRussia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary suspension of strikes on critical energy infrastructure, including oil refineries, gas pipelines, and nuclear power stations, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday. The list of protected facilities, which also encompasses fuel storage sites and electricity generation assets, was reportedly established through discussions involving U.S. officials. The moratorium is set to take effect from March 18 and will last for 30 days, with the possibility of extension through mutual consent. However, the Kremlin warned that if either party violates the agreement, the other would be released from its obligations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Kyiv had submitted a list of facilities for protection during talks with American representatives. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 7 ameznews.inUS National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has taken "full responsibility" for a security breach involving a group chat where officials discussed military plans for Yemen. In an interview with Fox News, Waltz explained that he created the chat group and emphasized his role in ensuring coordination among top officials. He acknowledged the mistake of inadvertently adding journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to the conversation, stating that he does not know Goldberg personally. The incident raises concerns about the handling of sensitive information within the US government, particularly as it pertains to military operations abroad. Waltz's admission highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining security in digital communications amid complex geopolitical situations. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 5 ameznews.inIn a leaked chat on the Signal messaging app, officials from the Trump administration, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, expressed strong disdain for European nations, labeling them as "freeloading" and "pathetic." The conversation, which inadvertently included a journalist, revolved around the U.S.'s upcoming military plans in Yemen. President Trump echoed these sentiments during a press briefing, stating, "Yeah, I think they've been freeloading," in response to The Atlantic's report on Hegseth's comments. Vance criticized the prospect of U.S. military involvement, saying he disliked "bailing Europe out again," while Hegseth affirmed his shared frustration with the perceived burden of supporting European allies. This incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding defense responsibilities among NATO members. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 5 ameznews.inThousands of protesters took to the streets of Istanbul on Tuesday, continuing a wave of demonstrations that erupted following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The protests, which have seen nearly 1,500 arrests—including that of an AFP journalist—are viewed by opposition supporters as a serious affront to the rule of law. The government has responded with a heavy-handed crackdown, remanding seven journalists, including AFP photographer Yasin Akgul, in custody for allegedly participating in illegal rallies, a claim vehemently denied by journalists' rights groups. Erdogan dismissed the protests as "street terror," while demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans and expressed fears of police identification. The Republican People's Party (CHP) has called for a major rally on Saturday, aiming to galvanize support for Imamoglu and demand early elections amidst rising tensions and concerns over media freedom and human rights in Turkey. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 4 ameznews.inThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Pakistan for a new $1.3 billion loan program, alongside a review of an existing bailout that could release an additional $1 billion. The 28-month deal aims to bolster Pakistan's efforts to address climate change challenges. Both the new loan and the review must receive approval from the IMF's executive board. Pakistan, which narrowly avoided default in 2023 amid a political crisis and economic downturn, previously secured a $7 billion bailout from the IMF, leading to some economic recovery, including reduced inflation and increased foreign reserves. However, the agreement comes with strict conditions, such as enhancing tax revenues and reducing power subsidies. The IMF noted that Pakistani authorities are committed to fiscal consolidation and reform efforts, with total disbursements under the existing program potentially reaching around $2 billion if approved. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 4 ameznews.inA New York judge has ordered US authorities to halt efforts to detain and deport Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old South Korean student at Columbia University, amid President Donald Trump's crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Critics view the administration's actions as retaliation that could stifle free speech, while supporters argue they are essential for campus safety. Chung, who has been difficult for authorities to locate, filed a lawsuit claiming that immigration enforcement should not be used to punish those expressing unpopular political views. The judge's temporary restraining order prevents the government from detaining her. Meanwhile, several university professors have also filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asserting that its policies unlawfully impede academic freedom. This legal battle coincides with Trump's decision to cut $400 million in federal funding to Columbia, citing inadequate protection for Jewish students amidst rising campus tensions. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 4 am
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