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Reports from CNN and The New York Times reveal that the Trump administration actively sought a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar to replace Air Force One, contrary to President Donald Trump's claims that it was a "gift." Amid bipartisan scrutiny over the ethical implications of accepting such a plane, military officials explored options for a temporary aircraft while awaiting new jets from Boeing, which are delayed until 2027. The Qatari jet, valued between $150 million and $180 million, was showcased to Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where he reportedly fell in love with it. Discussions shifted from leasing to a potential government-to-government transfer, with Trump later announcing the plane as a "gift." However, Qatari officials indicated they expected a sale, not a donation. Legal teams from both sides are still negotiating the deal, with Qatar's Prime Minister emphasizing that it's a straightforward government transaction still under review. 
Published: May 21 2025, 10 ameznews.inFrench 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.
Published: May 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe 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.
Published: May 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inFormer 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.
Published: May 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inUS 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.
Published: May 21 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA new study published in *Nature* warns that the rapid melting of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets may be irreversible, potentially resulting in significant sea level rise that could displace millions from coastal areas. Even if global warming is limited to the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, current warming levels of around 1.2 degrees C could trigger unstoppable ice sheet retreat, with projections suggesting a rise of up to 2.9 degrees C by 2100 if emissions remain unchecked. The ice sheets hold enough water to elevate global sea levels by approximately 213 feet, and their melting has quadrupled since the 1990s, contributing 370 billion tons of ice loss annually. Experts emphasize the need for drastic reductions in fossil fuel use to keep warming closer to 1 degree C, though achieving this remains unlikely. While limiting warming to 1.5 degrees C is crucial, it may not prevent ongoing sea level rise, underscoring the urgency of climate action.
Published: May 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inDuring a recent U.S. congressional hearing, Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace displayed a nude image of herself, alleging it was recorded without her consent by her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant. Advocating for stronger video voyeurism laws, Mace stated, "Freedom is not a theory - it's the right to sleep without someone's camera filming your naked body," emphasizing her experience as a survivor. The image was shown alongside surveillance footage she claimed captured her without knowledge in her home. Mace has accused Bryant of serious sexual offenses, including rape, which he vehemently denies, calling her allegations "false and outrageous." He criticized her for making claims within Congress, suggesting she is using her position to avoid legal repercussions. Mace previously alleged that Bryant possessed over 10,000 videos and images documenting abuse, and the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division is currently investigating her claims.
Published: May 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inTech billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX-owned Starlink has officially launched its satellite internet service in Bangladesh, marking the nation as India's second neighbor to access this technology after Bhutan. Starlink announced the availability of its high-speed, low-latency internet across Bangladesh on X, with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus highlighting the service's resilience against potential political disruptions. This comes in light of last year's protests that led to internet service suspensions. Yunus, who initially reached out to Musk in February, emphasized the transformative potential of Starlink for the country's youth and women. Monthly service packages start at 4,200 taka ($35), with a one-time setup fee of 47,000 taka. While Starlink has expanded to over 70 countries, its launch in Bangladesh precedes similar services in India and Pakistan, amid ongoing regional tensions.
Published: May 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA 24-year-old Australian woman, Corbie Jean Walpole, has pleaded guilty to arson after setting her friend, Jake Loader, on fire during a party at her home in Howlong, New South Wales. The incident occurred on January 7, 2024, following a misogynistic comment made by Loader, who told Walpole to "stay in the kitchen making scones" if she couldn't handle drinking with men. Walpole, reportedly under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, reacted by pouring gasoline on Loader and igniting him with a lighter, resulting in burns to 55% of his body. Loader spent 74 days in a burn unit and underwent ten surgeries. Walpole expressed deep remorse for her actions, attributing her behavior to struggles with substance abuse and Loader's antagonistic conduct throughout the night. Sentencing has been adjourned as she awaits her fate in Albury District Court.
Published: May 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inTaiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has reaffirmed the island's right to self-determination, firmly rejecting China's claims over Taiwan's sovereignty. Speaking at a press briefing, Lin emphasized that it is not up to China to decide Taiwan's status, as the island elects its own government. He expressed a willingness to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, suggesting that a handshake could signify a positive start to dialogue, despite acknowledging the low likelihood of such a meeting due to the lack of mutual recognition between the two governments. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has also reiterated calls for peaceful talks with China, which Beijing dismissed as a "two-faced tactic." Amid escalating military tensions, Taiwan remains vigilant, warning that China may increase military drills to coincide with significant anniversaries. The situation underscores the ongoing complexities of cross-strait relations as Taiwan seeks to assert its identity on the global stage.
Published: May 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn Goma, the eastern Congolese city captured by the M23 rebel group in January, cash scarcity has forced parents to pay school fees with cans of palm oil, highlighting the dire economic situation. Following the city’s takeover, authorities halted cash supplies to banks in M23-controlled areas, leading to widespread bank closures and empty ATMs. Teachers like Richard Mbueki report that survival is the priority, as parents barter food for education. While the school has adapted to this interim solution, mobile payment systems remain underutilized. The ongoing conflict has devastated the local economy, with rising food prices and job losses exacerbating the crisis. Traders report significant drops in sales, and the M23's attempt to establish a financial authority has failed to gain traction. Amidst this turmoil, crime rates have surged as residents struggle to navigate daily life in one of the world’s poorest regions.
Published: May 21 2025, 2 pm
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