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A federal investigation is underway in Los Angeles to determine the cause of devastating wildfires that have claimed at least 24 lives and devastated communities in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is leading the inquiry, which involves 75 personnel, including fire investigators and chemists. Theories circulating on social media include downed power lines, arson, and stray fireworks, but ATF official Jose Medina emphasized that it is premature to draw conclusions. Meanwhile, a group of trail runners filmed fleeing smoke has faced unfounded accusations of igniting the fires, prompting one runner to express frustration over the speculation. Additionally, homeowners in Altadena are reportedly suing Southern California Edison, alleging negligence after a video suggested flames near an electrical tower, although the utility denies any responsibility. The ATF is committed to a thorough investigation, gathering evidence and community insights. 
Published: Jan 15 2025, 9 ameznews.inAuthor Neil Gaiman has vehemently denied allegations of sexual misconduct following a New York Magazine article that detailed accusations from multiple women, including claims of sexual assault and coercion. In a statement on his personal website, Gaiman asserted, "I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever." The controversy intensified after two women accused him of sexual assault in July, with one alleging that Gaiman raped her when she was a nanny for his family in New Zealand. A third woman later claimed coercion, stating Gaiman pressured her into a sexual relationship while she worked as his caretaker in New York. Gaiman refuted all allegations, insisting that their relationships were consensual. The fallout has affected his career, with three adaptations of his works, including Netflix's "Dead Boy Detectives," being paused or cancelled. However, no streaming service has confirmed these decisions were linked to the allegations.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 1 pmeznews.inDirector general (DG) level talks between India and Bangladesh, postponed twice last year, are set to take place in New Delhi during the third week of February. The discussions will primarily focus on resolving disputes over India's proposed construction of a single-row fence along approximately 95.8 km of the 4,096 km border, as well as addressing a rise in infiltration attempts since the regime change in Bangladesh. A delegation from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is scheduled to meet with the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) between February 16 and 19. Recent tensions have escalated, with both nations summoning each other's High Commissioners over concerns regarding border activities. Notably, between August and December 2024, the BSF apprehended nearly 2,000 Bangladeshi nationals, highlighting an increase in cross-border infiltration linked to human trafficking and smuggling. These talks will be the first high-level discussions since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAmitav Ghosh, the acclaimed author, delivered a dire warning during the Dr CD Deshmukh Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, suggesting that Silicon Valley elites are bracing for a potential global collapse, referred to as "The Event." Ghosh highlighted the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and emerging pathogens, stating it is a mistake to view these issues in isolation. He criticized the mindset of the elite, who believe that the global South will disproportionately suffer during such a catastrophe, viewing it as an "exterminatory event." Ghosh condemned this perspective as dangerous and naive, arguing that true resilience lies outside the systems that the privileged inhabit. While acknowledging concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, he humorously remarked that he is more troubled by its failure to correctly spell his name. The lecture also marked the launch of his new book, "Wild Fictions," attended by notable figures in Indian society.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 1 pmeznews.inHamas has reportedly accepted a draft ceasefire agreement and a hostage release deal amid its ongoing conflict with Israel, which reignited in October 2023. Negotiations, facilitated by the United States and Qatar, are nearing completion, with officials indicating that an agreement is closer than ever before. Under the proposed deal, Hamas would release 33 Israeli hostages, while discussions for the release of the remaining captives would commence 16 days post-agreement. The deal also outlines phased troop withdrawals by Israel and enhanced humanitarian aid for Gaza, which faces a dire crisis. However, the future governance of Gaza remains unresolved, with Israel opposing any role for Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, despite international calls for Palestinian-led governance. As talks progress, significant concerns about the humanitarian situation and the complexities of governance continue to loom large.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 11 ameznews.inMilitary diplomacy, often perceived as contradictory, is essential for countries aspiring to wield regional or global influence. India has effectively employed this strategy for over fifty years, engaging in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and maritime security operations, gaining notable prestige. Despite successes, criticisms persist regarding bureaucratic silos within the Ministry of Defence, which hinder effective diplomacy. A prime example of India's military diplomacy is its response to the 2020 Galwan clash with China, where strategic military positioning was complemented by diplomatic engagements. Historical contexts, such as India's role during the 1971 Bangladesh war, highlight military diplomacy's impact on bilateral relations. Furthermore, India's extensive involvement in UN peacekeeping missions bolsters its claims for a permanent Security Council seat. To enhance effectiveness, experts suggest dismantling bureaucratic silos and fostering integrated strategies across military, diplomatic, and technological domains, thus advocating for a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach in defence diplomacy.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 12 pmeznews.inChina's economic growth is projected to have fallen just short of the government's five percent target last year, reaching an estimated 4.9 percent, according to an AFP survey. This marks the weakest performance since 1990, excluding the pandemic, as the nation grapples with sluggish domestic consumption and a persistent property crisis. Economists warn that growth could further decline to 4.4 percent this year and potentially dip below four percent in 2026. Amid these challenges, including rising debt among local governments and cautious consumer spending, Beijing has implemented aggressive measures to stimulate the economy, such as interest rate cuts and easing property purchase rules. However, uncertainty looms with Donald Trump's return to the White House, raising fears of renewed trade tensions that could impact Chinese exports. Experts suggest that domestic demand may need to become the primary growth driver as external pressures increase.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn April 2020, Juan Pablo Vaquero was declared dead from COVID-19 in Iquitos, Peru, only to reappear three days later, having allegedly awakened amidst corpses in the jungle. Dubbed "Uncle Covid," his story resonated with the impoverished population grappling with a devastating pandemic that infected 70% of the city's residents by July 2020. Iquitos faced a dire healthcare crisis, with a lack of medical oxygen exacerbated by corruption within the regional government, which was linked to criminal gangs. As the death toll soared, bodies were transported to mass graves in chaotic conditions, highlighting the surreal reality of life during the pandemic. Despite being dismissed by elites, Vaquero's tale symbolizes the resilience of the poor against a "cannibal capitalist" system that profited from their suffering. As Iquitos continues to struggle, the lessons of the pandemic remain largely unheeded, reflecting a broader global crisis.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has firmly denied allegations that the Iranian government plotted to assassinate Republican President-elect Donald Trump, responding to claims made by Trump and the U.S. government. In an NBC News interview, Pezeshkian stated, "None whatsoever," emphasizing that Iran has never attempted such an act and never will. This statement follows a November charge by the U.S. Justice Department against an Iranian man linked to an alleged assassination plot orchestrated by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, which law enforcement claims was thwarted before any action could take place. Trump, who is set to take office on Monday, had previously suggested Iran's involvement in attempts on his life during his campaign, but investigations found no evidence supporting this. Iran has consistently rejected U.S. accusations of interference in American affairs, while asserting that the U.S. has a long history of meddling in Iranian matters.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 12 pmeznews.inPresident-elect Donald Trump is set to implement a series of executive orders shortly after taking office, aiming to significantly alter U.S. policy. An executive order is a unilateral directive from the president that carries the force of law. Trump, who issued 220 executive orders during his first term, plans to act swiftly, with orders potentially taking effect immediately or after formal agency actions. While the president derives this power from Article II of the Constitution or congressional delegation, he cannot create new laws beyond his constitutional authority. Courts can challenge executive orders, as seen in cases where Trump's policies on sanctuary cities and Biden's COVID-19 vaccination mandate were blocked for overstepping authority. However, the judiciary has also upheld presidential powers, including Trump's travel ban from certain Muslim-majority countries. As Trump prepares to take office, the implications of his executive actions remain a focal point of discussion.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 10 ameznews.inAs fears mount over a potential TikTok ban in the United States, American users are flocking to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform also known as "RedNote," which has surged to the top of the US download charts. Founded in 2013, Xiaohongshu combines short-form video content with e-commerce, allowing users to shop and leave product reviews. With 300 million users primarily in China, it has become popular for sharing lifestyle tips, especially among young women. In the wake of TikTok's uncertain future, over 700,000 new users joined Xiaohongshu within two days, with many expressing their defiance against the impending restrictions. The hashtag "TikTok refugee" has amassed nearly 250 million views, highlighting users' swift transition to the platform. While experts suggest that established rivals like Instagram and YouTube may also benefit, Xiaohongshu's unique offering could attract those seeking alternatives.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 10 am
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