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NATO countries in Europe have seen a dramatic increase in arms imports, more than doubling over the past five years, with over 60% of these purchases coming from the United States, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This surge, which reflects a 105% rise in arms imports among European NATO members, is largely attributed to the perceived threat from Russia and a shift in US foreign policy under President Trump. Ukraine emerged as the world's largest arms importer during this period, while the US solidified its status as the leading global arms exporter, accounting for 43% of worldwide sales. European nations are increasingly dependent on US weaponry, with complex systems like the F-35 fighter jet and Patriot missile systems being procured. Despite efforts to bolster European defense capabilities, experts warn that reducing reliance on US arms would require significant investment and time. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 9 ameznews.inPope Francis, 88, spent a restful night in hospital on Monday, as the Vatican reported slight improvements in his health following over three weeks of treatment for pneumonia. The pontiff, who has not been seen in public since his admission to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14, expressed gratitude to his medical team in a written message during Sunday’s Angelus prayer, which he missed in person. Despite experiencing several respiratory crises that raised concerns about his recovery, the Vatican described his condition as "stable" with "slight improvements" noted. However, doctors are cautious, seeking more positive developments before providing a prognosis. Supporters continue to gather outside the hospital, leaving flowers and prayers for the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Another medical update is anticipated later today.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn Myanmar's eastern Shan state, displaced farmer Aung Hla has turned to opium production as a last resort amid escalating conflict and poverty following the military coup in 2021. Once a rice farmer, Aung Hla now scrapes opium resin from poppy seedpods, describing the crop as his only means of survival in a country beset by a "polycrisis" of war and environmental degradation. The United Nations recently reported that Myanmar has surpassed Afghanistan as the world's largest opium producer, with the opiate economy valued between $589 million and $1.57 billion. Many farmers, like Aung Naing, who previously abandoned opium cultivation, have returned to it due to the dire economic situation. Despite the risks of violence and instability, they feel compelled to grow poppy as it offers a marginally better profit than food crops, with no viable alternatives available in the war-torn region.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inSocial media platform X is experiencing significant outages, affecting thousands of users in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Outage tracking website Downdetector.com reported over 21,000 incidents of issues in the U.S. and more than 10,800 in the UK. The platform's problems have prompted users to submit status reports, although the total number of affected individuals may differ from these figures. X has yet to respond to a request for comment from Reuters regarding the situation. Downdetector compiles its data from various sources, reflecting user experiences during the outage.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inFederal immigration authorities arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and prominent figure in last year's pro-Palestinian protests, citing a State Department order to revoke his green card. Khalil, a Palestinian refugee raised in Syria, was taken from his university apartment in New York, with his attorney, Amy Greer, stating that his pregnant wife was not informed of the reasons behind his detention. Khalil had been involved in significant protests against Israel's actions in Gaza and was under investigation by Columbia's Office of Institutional Equity for his activism. Greer emphasized that the administration's actions represent a troubling escalation against student dissent, noting that only an immigration court can revoke a green card. The arrest aligns with the Trump administration's broader crackdown on student activists and comes amid federal scrutiny of Columbia University, which recently faced a $400 million funding cut for failing to address campus antisemitism.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 1 pmeznews.inNorth Korea launched multiple unidentified ballistic missiles on Monday, coinciding with the start of the annual joint military exercise "Freedom Shield" conducted by South Korea and the United States. The South Korean military reported that the missiles were fired from Hwanghae province into the West Sea around 13:50 (0450 GMT). In response, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized their commitment to enhanced surveillance and readiness in cooperation with the US. North Korea condemned the drills as a "provocative act," warning that they could lead to accidental conflict, and labeled them an "aggressive and confrontational war rehearsal." The Freedom Shield exercises, which will last until March 20, involve live and virtual training and follow a recent incident where South Korean jets accidentally dropped bombs on a civilian area, injuring 31 people. Tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula, with both Koreas technically still at war since the 1953 armistice.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThomas Markle has criticized his daughter, Meghan Markle, branding her "unauthentic" and accusing her of "faking" her emotions in her new Netflix series, _With Love, Meghan_. Released earlier this month, the show features the Duchess of Sussex cooking and entertaining celebrity friends across eight episodes. Mr. Markle expressed amusement at what he perceives as Meghan's "pre-planned" expressions, stating, "Everything she says is pre-planned and rehearsed." He described cooking shows as "horrendously boring" unless the host displays genuine passion, noting that Meghan's desire for perfection detracts from her authenticity. Additionally, he remarked that her cooking style is impractical for average viewers, criticizing her disconnect from everyday life. He also expressed disappointment over Meghan's apparent rejection of the Markle name, reflecting on his late mother’s pride in the family name. Despite mixed reviews, the series has been renewed for a second season.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inSudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student from the University of Pittsburgh, has mysteriously vanished during a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic. Local authorities have intensified their search efforts, deploying multiple brigades by land and sea. Konanki was last seen on CCTV with a group of friends at the Riu Republica Hotel in Punta Cana shortly after 4:15 am on March 6; however, surveillance footage later captured a man leaving the beach area alone at 9:55 am without her. Her father described her as an ambitious pre-med student, highlighting her desire to pursue a career in medicine. The family, permanent residents of the U.S. since 2006, has circulated flyers on social media to raise awareness about her disappearance, while Dominican officials have suggested the possibility of drowning. The University of Pittsburgh has urged anyone with information to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inMark Carney, newly elected leader of Canada’s Liberal Party and poised to become Prime Minister, aims to mend the frayed relations with India that deteriorated under his predecessor, Justin Trudeau. Carney secured 85.9% of votes in the leadership race and has expressed a desire to diversify Canada’s trade ties with New Delhi, particularly in light of US tariffs impacting both nations. In a recent media interaction, he emphasized the need for a shared values framework in commercial relationships, indicating a proactive approach to rebuilding ties with India. Carney's extensive background as a former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, coupled with his experience in investment sectors related to India, positions him well to foster these connections. The diplomatic rift, exacerbated by allegations surrounding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has led to mutual expulsion of diplomats and a pause on trade agreements.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAn Indian student at the University of Pittsburgh, 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, has gone missing during a trip to the Dominican Republic, with authorities believing she may have drowned. Ms. Konanki was reported missing on March 6, last seen between 3 and 5 am at Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana, where she was captured on CCTV in a brown bikini shortly before her disappearance. A search operation involving drones, helicopters, boats, divers, and canine units is currently underway, with her parents having traveled from Virginia to assist in the efforts. Ms. Konanki, a chemistry and biological sciences student, was part of a group of six women, with her companions opting to remain in the Dominican Republic to aid in the search rather than return home. The University of Pittsburgh has expressed its support for the search and for Ms. Konanki's family during this difficult time.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA waiter at Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, has garnered significant community support following a xenophobic incident involving a customer. The woman, identified as Stephanie Lovins, left a receipt with a note reading, "I hope Trump deports you!!!" alongside a zero tip after receiving service from Ricardo Nonato, a US citizen. In response, a GoFundMe campaign titled "Tip Ricardo: Because Hate Has No Place Here" was launched by a loyal customer, Anna Overman, aiming to raise funds for Nonato, which surpassed its $10,000 goal, reaching over $39,210. Overman emphasized that Nonato was simply doing his job and that the incident highlighted the customer's true character. Lovins, a realtor, was subsequently fired from her position after the incident gained attention, with her employer, Century 21, stating that "hate has no place" in their brand. The restaurant confirmed Lovins was indeed responsible for the note.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 12 pm
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