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Concerns Over US Intel Aide's Email on Venezuelan Gang

A senior adviser to Tulsi Gabbard, Joe Kent, has urged a reassessment of intelligence concerning the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, suggesting a "common sense" link to the Venezuelan government despite a prior assessment stating no direct connection. In emails obtained by Reuters, Kent questioned the National Intelligence Council's conclusion that Venezuela does not support the gang's activities in the US, arguing that any adversarial nation would likely send criminals across borders. This push aligns with claims made by President Trump, who has cited Tren de Aragua's activities as justification for expedited deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. The intelligence community's original findings, which did not support the administration's narrative, have led to the removal of NIC chief Michael Collins, raising concerns about politicization within US intelligence. A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence dismissed Kent's assertions, labeling them as part of a "deep state" effort against the Trump administration. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 2 pm

Tech Giants Compete for AI Talent, Offering Millions

In Silicon Valley, a fierce competition for artificial intelligence talent has emerged, likened to a high-stakes chess game, particularly following the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. Companies such as OpenAI and Google are aggressively recruiting top researchers, offering lucrative compensation packages that can exceed $20 million annually, alongside substantial bonuses to retain talent. Notably, some researchers are being offered retention bonuses of up to $2 million to remain at OpenAI, while others have received offers from rival firms like Eleven Labs. The talent pool is notably small, with estimates of elite contributors ranging from a few dozen to around a thousand, underscoring their critical role in developing advanced AI technologies. This scarcity has prompted innovative hiring strategies, with firms employing data analysis techniques from the sports industry to identify promising candidates. The recent departure of key figures, such as OpenAI's former CTO Mira Murati, has further intensified the race for top talent in AI. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 8 pm

Trump's Immigration Policies Could Harm Columbia's Finances

Columbia University, heavily reliant on its 40% international student population for revenue, is facing financial challenges exacerbated by Trump-era immigration policies. These policies not only threaten the enrollment of foreign students, who pay over $70,000 in tuition but also jeopardize the university's substantial federal research funding, which was frozen at $903.1 million. As international students seek alternatives, such as Canada, concerns grow about the impact on U.S. educational competitiveness. Former deputy education undersecretary Jordan Matsudaira highlighted the financial strain, noting that while Columbia has a large endowment, spending restrictions limit its immediate relief options. Meanwhile, European initiatives, like the “Choose Europe for Science” plan, aim to attract foreign talent away from the U.S. Critics warn that these policies could deter future international students, with implications for both academic diversity and the economy, as echoed by Rep. Jerry Nadler. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 6 pm

Study: 46 Crore Adolescents Worldwide to Be Obese by 2030

A new analysis by the Lancet Commission warns that the health of adolescents is at a critical juncture, with projections indicating that over 464 million adolescents globally will be obese by 2030, a rise of 143 million since 2015. This alarming trend highlights the inadequacies in addressing adolescent obesity, particularly in high-income regions of Latin America and the Middle East, where one-third of adolescents are expected to be overweight. Furthermore, over 1 billion adolescents will continue to face preventable health issues such as HIV/AIDS and mental health disorders, with an estimated loss of 42 million healthy life years due to mental health issues and suicide. The report also identifies emerging threats, including climate change and digitalization, which pose additional risks to adolescent health. Professor Sarah Baird emphasizes the urgent need for investment in adolescent health to secure a healthier future for this demographic. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 7 pm

Can China's Arms Market Bounce Back After India-Pak War?

India's Operation Sindoor has raised significant concerns for both Pakistan and China, with Pakistan facing military losses and diplomatic embarrassment due to its support for cross-border terrorism. Following the Pahalgam terror attacks, China called for restraint from India while reaffirming its backing for Pakistan at the UN. However, Chinese military equipment sold to Pakistan has underperformed, leading to questions about its reliability. Notably, the J-10C and JF-17 fighter jets failed to demonstrate their capabilities in combat, while air defense systems like the HQ-9P were ineffective against Indian strikes. This failure has tarnished China's reputation as a responsible military supplier and has impacted its arms market, with a notable decline in stock performance for Chinese defense companies. Conversely, India's stock market surged following a ceasefire agreement, highlighting a shift in confidence and demand for Indian military exports. Overall, China's involvement in the conflict has proven costly on multiple fronts. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 7 pm

China Meets with Pakistan, Afghanistan After India's Taliban Outreach

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently engaged in a historic dialogue with the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking India's first ministerial outreach to the Taliban since their takeover in 2021. Following this, China facilitated a meeting between the foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan, where both nations agreed in principle to send ambassadors to each other, signaling a potential thaw in their historically strained relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of enhancing diplomatic ties and collaboration on security and development. Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign office expressed optimism about improving bilateral relations, while the Taliban underscored the significance of political and economic connections with both countries. Despite ongoing tensions stemming from past conflicts, including accusations of terrorism and refugee issues, diplomatic efforts continue as India seeks to provide humanitarian aid and maintain engagement with Afghanistan. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 7 pm

Bloomberg Terminal Outage Disrupts European Bond Sales

Bloomberg experienced a significant outage of its terminal service on Wednesday, affecting financial professionals across Europe and disrupting multiple government bond sales, according to various debt management offices and market sources. Traders reported that live pricing and market data were unavailable, leaving screens blank and hindering the ability to load new information or update spreadsheets. Peter Schaffrik, RBC's chief European macro strategist, noted that some auctions were delayed due to these issues. By mid-morning, some terminals began to regain functionality, although Bloomberg had not provided an immediate comment on the situation. The UK Debt Management Office confirmed that the bidding window for a government auction was extended due to the outage, while similar delays were reported in Portugal and Sweden. The European Union also postponed its bond sale deadline by one hour. Users described the outage as a "nightmare," with only the chat function remaining operational on some terminals. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 7 pm

Macron's Party Supports Hijab Ban for Under-15s in Public

French President Emmanuel Macron's political party, Renaissance, is advocating for a ban on minors under 15 wearing the Muslim headscarf in public, as the government prepares to review a report on "political Islamism" in France. The report labels the Muslim Brotherhood a "threat to national cohesion," claiming it jeopardizes societal fabric and republican institutions. The proposed ban would apply to public spaces, including streets and parks, with the party arguing that the hijab undermines gender equality and child protection. Additionally, they seek to criminalize coercion against parents who compel their daughters to wear the veil. While Renaissance operates as a minority in parliament alongside a traditional right-wing party, critics argue that such measures reflect an Islamophobic stance, particularly following past jihadist attacks. The government is also considering a law to prohibit the hijab in domestic sports competitions, further fueling the debate on religious expression in France. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 5 pm

Trump's 'Golden Dome' Could Restart Arms Control Talks: Kremlin

The Kremlin has suggested that President Donald Trump's announcement of the $175 billion "Golden Dome" missile defense shield could prompt renewed discussions between Moscow and Washington on nuclear arms control. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized the missile shield, inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, as a sovereign decision for the U.S., but acknowledged that its implications for nuclear parity remain unclear. He emphasized the need for the two nations, which hold the largest nuclear arsenals, to restore dialogue on strategic stability, particularly following the collapse of key arms control treaties like the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The U.S. has blamed Russia for these treaty failures, while Moscow disputes the allegations. Peskov highlighted the necessity of recreating a legal framework for arms control to enhance global security amidst deteriorating relations. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 5 pm

Trump's 'Golden Dome': Comparing India's and Israel's Defense Systems

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a $175 billion proposal for a "golden dome" missile defense system designed to bolster protection against aerial threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles. Announcing the initiative in New Delhi, Trump emphasized the need for advanced defense capabilities akin to Israel's Iron Dome, which has proven effective in intercepting thousands of projectiles since its inception in 2011. The proposed system will incorporate ground, sea, and space-based technologies, featuring components like the Space-Based Infrared System for early threat detection and the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense for maritime interception. Trump highlighted the urgency of enhancing U.S. military capabilities in a "dangerous world," aiming to safeguard American citizens more effectively. With rising global tensions, the golden dome initiative reflects a growing trend among nations to develop multi-layered air defense systems to counter evolving threats. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 5 pm

Chris Brown Released on Bail Before World Tour

US singer Chris Brown has been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm following an alleged "unprovoked attack" at a London nightclub in 2023. A London court granted the 36-year-old bail on Wednesday, although he was not present at Southwark Crown Court during the proceedings. Prosecutors have yet to present evidence, and Mr. Brown has not entered a plea regarding the serious assault charge. The case has garnered significant media attention as it unfolds, particularly as the singer prepares for an upcoming world tour. The court's decision to grant bail allows Brown to continue his professional commitments while the legal process continues. sources

Published:
May 21 2025, 6 pm

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