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Jose Mujica, the former president of Uruguay and celebrated as "the world's most humble president," has died at the age of 89. Born on May 20, 1935, in Montevideo, Mujica's life journey from a guerrilla fighter in the Tupamaros to the presidency was marked by resilience and simplicity. After spending over 14 years in prison during Uruguay's military regime, he emerged to become a key political figure, leading the Broad Front coalition. His presidency from 2010 to 2015 was notable for progressive reforms, including the legalization of marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion rights. Living modestly in a farmhouse, Mujica donated 90% of his salary to charity and famously drove a beat-up Volkswagen Beetle. Though criticized for moderating his earlier radical views, Mujica emphasized the importance of pragmatism in governance. He remained an influential voice on global issues like climate change and inequality after leaving office. 
Published: May 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inChina's former semiconductor titan, Zhao Weiguo, has been handed a suspended death sentence for embezzlement and illegal profiteering, according to state media. Zhao, who previously chaired Tsinghua Unigroup, was found guilty of causing significant financial losses and misusing his position to acquire state-owned assets at undervalued prices. His actions reportedly led to a loss of over 890 million yuan to the state. The court's ruling, which includes a lifetime ban on political rights and a fine of 12 million yuan ($1.65 million), reflects China's ongoing campaign against corruption, a key focus for President Xi Jinping. Zhao's sentence is suspended for two years, a common practice in corruption cases, allowing for potential reduction to life imprisonment upon appeal. Tsinghua Unigroup, once a leading chipmaker, has struggled with debt and restructuring under Zhao’s leadership, highlighting the challenges in China's semiconductor ambitions amid rising trade tensions with the U.S.
Published: May 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inChina has criticized the recently signed UK-US trade deal, expressing fears that it may compel British firms to exclude Chinese products from their supply chains. Beijing's concerns stem from the deal's limited tariff relief coupled with stringent US security requirements, which they perceive as a move towards economic isolation and unfairness. China's foreign ministry stated that international cooperation should not harm third-party interests, emphasizing a principle they consider fundamental. The agreement reduces tariffs on British car exports and lifts tariffs on UK steel and aluminum, but only under specific US security conditions. A senior researcher in China described these provisions as "poison pills," arguing they unfairly target China. In response, China is focusing on boosting domestic production through a "dual circulation" strategy. Meanwhile, the UK government insists the deal is designed to protect jobs and businesses, reaffirming the importance of trade with China despite ongoing tensions.
Published: May 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTurkey's President Tayyip Erdogan is set to host the first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years, marking a significant moment in his growing international influence. This diplomatic maneuver comes shortly after the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) announced its dissolution, a development Erdogan hopes will strengthen his domestic political position amid ongoing protests against his government. Critics argue that Erdogan often shifts focus to foreign affairs when faced with domestic challenges, such as the arrest of political rival Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, which has drawn widespread condemnation. Despite this, Erdogan's diplomatic efforts have garnered praise, including from US President Donald Trump, who emphasized Erdogan's role in facilitating peace talks. As Turkey navigates complex geopolitical waters, Erdogan's actions could reshape both regional dynamics and his own political future, with the potential for a new constitution that may extend his presidency beyond 2028.
Published: May 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a significant reduction in its management team and operations, as Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the challenges posed by a proposed 21% budget cut for 2026-2027, which would leave the agency with only 60% funding. This announcement comes four months after the United States, the WHO's largest financial contributor, declared its intent to withdraw from the agency, a move initiated by President Donald Trump. To adapt, the WHO will streamline its departments from 76 to 34 and aims to save approximately $165 million this year, while also cutting staff costs by 25%, although this does not equate to a direct reduction in jobs. The new leadership team has been reduced from 14 to seven members, with key roles reassigned to enhance efficiency and collaboration with other global health organizations amidst these financial constraints.
Published: May 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inClouds Architecture Office, a New York-based firm, has unveiled a groundbreaking concept for the "Analemma Tower," a skyscraper designed to hang from an asteroid in geosynchronous orbit. This innovative structure would be tethered by high-strength cables, enabling it to move in a figure-eight pattern, providing residents with dynamic views of Earth. The tower's orbital path would allow it to traverse between the northern and southern hemispheres, with the slowest movement occurring over New York City, facilitating interaction with the surface. Powering the tower would be space-based solar panels, ensuring consistent sunlight exposure and higher efficiency than traditional installations. Additionally, a semi-closed loop system would filter and recycle water, enhancing sustainability. The Analemma Tower represents a fusion of space technology and architecture, with a proposed construction site in Dubai, known for its expertise in tall buildings at reduced costs compared to New York City.
Published: May 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA tragic incident unfolded at the First Balloon Festival in Zacatecas, Mexico, when a hot air balloon caught fire, leading to the death of 40-year-old Luicio N. Eyewitness footage showed Luicio heroically rescuing two passengers from the flaming basket before becoming entangled in the balloon's ropes and falling to his death. Authorities confirmed the recovery of his body at the scene, while the two passengers were treated for first-degree burns at a local hospital. Zacatecas Secretary General Rodrigo Reyes Muguerza emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures during festivals to prevent future tragedies and announced an investigation into the incident. Social media has been flooded with tributes to Luicio, praising his bravery and selflessness in the face of danger. Despite the rarity of hot air balloon accidents, officials are examining potential safety lapses to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.
Published: May 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA recent study by the Nationwide Retirement Institute and the American College of Financial Services reveals that only 29% of US adults aspire to live to 100, primarily due to financial concerns and fears of declining health. Nearly 75% of respondents worry about outliving their savings, with the risk of depletion increasing by 41% if retirement is extended by just five years. Amidst rising inflation and uncertainty surrounding Social Security, many Americans now prioritize financial security over longevity, with 40% planning to delay retirement. The research underscores a critical need for a shift in retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of longevity risk and guaranteed income strategies. Michael Finke, a professor of wealth management, warns that underestimating life expectancy can jeopardize financial security, advocating for proactive planning to boost confidence in retirement.
Published: May 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) will disburse $1.3 billion to Bangladesh in June, following a fourth review of its $4.7 billion loan program. This release comes after the government agreed to implement key reforms, including greater exchange rate flexibility, and dissolved the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to create two new divisions for improved tax management. The funds will cover both the fourth and fifth tranches, previously delayed due to IMF demands for reforms in revenue management and fiscal policy. Bangladesh, which sought the IMF's assistance in 2023 amid declining foreign reserves exacerbated by rising global commodity prices, has already received $2.3 billion in earlier tranches. The government is also anticipating an additional $2 billion in budget support from various development partners, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, to bolster its economic stability.
Published: May 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has indicated he is contemplating attending peace talks on the Ukraine conflict scheduled for Thursday in Turkey, as part of his Middle East trip. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Qatar, Trump acknowledged that Russian President Vladimir Putin's attendance remains uncertain. "He'd like me to be there, and that's a possibility," Trump stated, emphasizing the importance of his presence. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that he will only participate if Putin is also present. The Kremlin confirmed it would send a delegation to Istanbul but did not specify who would represent Russia. Trump noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be attending the talks, highlighting the complexity of the situation and his willingness to engage if it could help save lives.
Published: May 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inPalestinians in Gaza face an imminent risk of starvation, with Israeli defense officials acknowledging that without urgent aid, many areas could soon lack sufficient food. Most bakeries have closed, charity kitchens are shutting down, and the UN's World Food Programme reports it has no supplies left to distribute. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has warned that famine is on the horizon, exacerbated by ongoing military operations, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists will continue unabated. Since March 2, Israel has imposed a blockade on all humanitarian aid, prompting UN officials to condemn the situation as inhumane. The World Health Organization has raised alarms over rising malnutrition rates, particularly among children, with some areas reporting 11% suffering from acute malnutrition. Israel defends the blockade as necessary to prevent aid from reaching Hamas, while critics argue that the starvation of civilians is unjustifiable.
Published: May 14 2025, 3 pm
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