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FBI Selects Kash Patel for Inquiry on Trump's Opponents

Kash Patel, nominated by President Trump to lead the FBI, is poised for a contentious confirmation hearing, facing significant scrutiny from Democratic senators over his qualifications and independence. Critics express alarm at Patel's loyalty to Trump and his controversial proposal to transform the FBI headquarters into a "museum of the deep state," along with his previous comments advocating for a radical overhaul of the bureau. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin has voiced concerns about Patel's experience and judgment, questioning his fitness for the role. Meanwhile, Republican supporters, including Senator Thom Tillis, argue that Patel is well-suited to reform the agency. The hearing is expected to focus on Patel's past remarks and his book, "Government Gangsters," which names current and former FBI officials as targets for investigation, raising further doubts about his impartiality in leading the agency. sources

Published:
Jan 30 2025, 8 pm

Doctors: Pope Francis with pneumonia "not out of danger

Pope Francis remains hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital as he battles pneumonia, with his doctor, Professor Sergio Alfieri, stating on Friday that the 88-year-old pontiff is "not out of danger." Although his condition has improved slightly and he is not on any machines, Alfieri emphasized that Francis will likely remain in care for at least another week. The pontiff was admitted on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties that escalated from bronchitis to double pneumonia, raising concerns about his health. Alfieri noted that sending Francis back to the Vatican too soon could lead him to resume his duties prematurely, hence the decision to keep him hospitalized. Despite his health challenges, Francis has been in good spirits, reportedly making jokes during his stay. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 12 am

Kash Patel's Family Hails from This Gujarat Village

Indian-American Kash Patel has been confirmed by the US Senate as the new head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), marking a historic milestone as he becomes the first Indian-American to lead the agency. Patel, 44, hails from the Patidar community in Bhadran village, Gujarat, where his family migrated to Uganda approximately 70 to 80 years ago. Community leaders noted that Patel's relatives sold their ancestral homes in Bhadran after relocating to Africa, and most of them now reside abroad, particularly in the US. Despite not having visited India recently, Patel's family is recorded in the Chh Gam Patidar Mandal’s family tree, which includes 18 generations. Patel, who was born in New York, previously served as Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of Defence and holds a law degree from New York. He is also an ice-hockey enthusiast, having played since childhood. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 12 am

Jaishankar Talks Indo-Pacific with Australian, French Officials

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions on the Indo-Pacific region with his Australian and French counterparts, Penny Wong and Jean-Noel Barrot, during a trilateral meeting at the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Johannesburg. Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to South Africa, expressed optimism about enhancing cooperation among the three nations. He also met with EU Vice President Kaja Kallas, addressing key areas of India-EU collaboration, including trade and the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, Jaishankar held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sino-India relations and border management, and discussed bilateral ties with Angola’s Foreign Minister Tete Antonio and Algeria's Ahmed Attaf. Earlier, he emphasized the G20's role in navigating global geopolitical challenges, which include the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 10 pm

Apple Halts Full Data Protection Tool for UK Users

Apple announced on Friday that it will no longer provide full end-to-end encryption, known as Advanced Data Protection (ADP), for its customers in the UK, following reports that the UK government requested global access to user data. The company stated that new users in the UK will not have access to ADP, and existing users will eventually need to disable the feature. ADP ensures that only account holders can access their stored content, safeguarding privacy against unauthorized access. The UK government reportedly demanded that Apple create a "back door" for law enforcement access, a request the company has firmly rejected, emphasizing its commitment to user privacy. While law enforcement argues that encryption can hinder investigations, privacy advocates stress its importance in protecting against unwarranted surveillance. Apple expressed disappointment over this development and remains hopeful for the future availability of robust security measures in the UK. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 11 pm

Russia May Release $300 Billion in Frozen Assets for Ukraine

Russia is considering using $300 billion of its sovereign assets frozen in Europe for the reconstruction of Ukraine, contingent upon a portion being allocated to the territories currently under Russian control, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This potential move emerged following the first direct talks between Russia and the U.S. aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, with both Presidents Trump and Putin expressing hopes for future meetings. The frozen assets, mainly consisting of government bonds, were blocked after Russia's military intervention in Ukraine in 2022. While preliminary discussions are underway, Russia's main demands include the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from claimed territories and an end to Ukraine's NATO ambitions. The U.S. and European allies have maintained that these funds will remain frozen until Russia compensates for the damages caused in Ukraine. The complexities of international law and differing stances within Europe may complicate any potential agreement on these assets. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 8 pm

EU Bans Caffeine: Reasons for Human Health Risks

The European Union (EU) has issued a controversial warning labeling coffee as "harmful to humans if swallowed," as part of new chemical safety regulations. This decision, reported by _The Telegraph_, also includes a ban on using caffeine as a pesticide, citing potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, hydration, and body temperature, as well as impacts on sleep and anxiety in both adults and children. The regulation was prompted by a request from French company Progarein to use caffeine against pests on crops. Critics, including Danish MEP Anders Vistisen, have condemned the EU's intervention as unnecessary, questioning whether it could lead to restrictions on coffee itself. He highlighted past EU attempts to regulate food ingredients, emphasizing that such matters should be left to national authorities and personal choice. Despite the warning, coffee's cultural significance in Europe is unlikely to diminish amid these bureaucratic challenges. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 9 pm

India Protests Turkiye President's Kashmir Comments

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed strong disapproval of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent comments on Kashmir, lodging a formal protest with the Turkish ambassador. During his visit to Islamabad, Erdogan reiterated Turkey's support for Pakistan regarding the Kashmir issue and called for UN dialogue to resolve it. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and condemned any remarks that challenge India's territorial integrity. He highlighted that Pakistan's cross-border terrorism poses a significant threat to the region. Meanwhile, following the death of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Odisha, Jaiswal extended condolences and reaffirmed India's commitment to the safety of international students. The MEA has been in communication with local authorities concerning this tragic incident. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 9 pm

Trump Temporarily Removes Iconic 145-Year-Old Desk from Oval Office

The iconic Resolute Desk, a symbol of American political history used by many presidents, has been temporarily replaced in the Oval Office by the C&O Desk, as announced by President Donald Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump explained that the Resolute Desk, which has been in use since 1880 and was gifted by Queen Victoria, is undergoing light refinishing. The C&O Desk, previously used by President George H.W. Bush, serves as a notable substitute during this period. The Resolute Desk, made from timbers of the British ship HMS Resolute, has been central to significant moments in U.S. history, including being the desk on which Elon Musk's son famously made headlines during a live media address. The desk has been utilized by nearly every president since its introduction, except for Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald R. Ford. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 9 pm

Trump: Zelensky Not Essential for Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

In a recent audio interview with Fox News, former President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's role in peace negotiations to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump stated, "I don't think he's very important to be in meetings," arguing that Zelensky's involvement has been counterproductive over the past three years, making it "very hard to make deals." The comments come as Trump advocates for the United States to take the lead in facilitating peace talks. His remarks have sparked debate regarding Zelensky's influence and the broader dynamics of the conflict, as the international community continues to seek a resolution to the war in Ukraine. The interview was published on February 21, 2025, as discussions around the conflict remain a critical issue on the global stage. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 9 pm

2025 Harvard India Conference: India's Innovations Shaping the World

The 2025 Harvard India Conference, themed 'From India to the World', attracted nearly 1,000 attendees, including prominent authors, academics, and entrepreneurs, at the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School. Over two days, discussions focused on India's growth trajectory, with standout sessions addressing the economy's potential to reach a $30 trillion valuation and the nation's aspirations to become a global hub for life sciences and pharmaceuticals. Key speakers included World Bank's Somik Lall, entrepreneur Ritesh Malik, and Bharat Biotech's Suchitra Ella, who discussed the opportunities within Indian healthcare. A notable policy hackathon and start-up pitch showcased the role of technology in addressing challenges. Additionally, sessions on the Global South highlighted India's strategic role in fostering international cooperation. The conference underscored the optimism surrounding India's future, particularly in space and technology, amid evolving geopolitical landscapes. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 8 pm

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