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A devastating plane crash in South Korea on Sunday morning has left at least 179 of the 181 people on board presumed dead. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, en route from Bangkok to Muan, attempted a landing shortly after 9 am but crashed into a fence, bursting into flames and sending thick black smoke into the sky. Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing flames from the jet's engine moments before the crash. Distressing messages from passengers, including one about a bird stuck to the wing, were received shortly before the incident. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with authorities switching focus from rescue to recovery as they search for bodies in the vicinity. Jeju Air has expressed deep condolences and pledged full cooperation with investigators, while all flights at Muan International Airport have been suspended. The tragedy has drawn international attention, with Thai officials looking into the presence of Thai nationals on the flight. 
Published: Dec 29 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA new tourist tax has been implemented across Russia, effective Wednesday, replacing the previous resort fee. Starting January 1, 2025, travelers will pay an additional 1% on their accommodation costs, part of a phased strategy to enhance regional tourism infrastructure. This tax, introduced through amendments to the Russian Tax Code in July 2024, allows regional authorities to impose it as a local levy, with many regions already adopting the measure. The tax rate will gradually increase to 3% by 2027, with a minimum daily charge of 100 rubles (approximately $0.90). Although hotels are the official taxpayers, the cost will ultimately be passed on to tourists. Additionally, Russia will eliminate export duties on anthracite, coking coal, and thermal coal starting January 1, 2025, following a temporary suspension of these duties to support the coal industry.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe parents of Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI researcher, have raised serious concerns following the release of his autopsy, which they claim indicates signs of struggle, including a head injury. Balaji, 26, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment earlier this month, with authorities ruling his death a suicide. However, his parents, Balaji Ramamurthy and Purnima Rao, dispute this conclusion, suggesting their son may have been murdered due to his outspoken criticism of OpenAI's practices, including allegations of copyright violations. They believe Balaji's research could have significantly impacted the AI industry. Prominent figures, including Elon Musk, have expressed support for the family, with Musk questioning the suicide narrative. The family is now demanding an FBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding Balaji's death and has reached out to Indian authorities for assistance, hoping to uncover the truth behind their son's tragic end.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inUS President-elect Donald Trump has publicly backed tech billionaire Elon Musk in the contentious H-1B visa debate, emphasizing the need for "smart people" to bolster the American workforce. Speaking at a New Year's Eve event, Trump stated, "We need competent people coming into our country," aligning himself with Musk, who has been vocal in defending the H-1B program, which allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields. Musk, who once held an H-1B visa himself, highlighted a "permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent" in Silicon Valley. The H-1B program has faced scrutiny from some Republicans, including immigration hardliners who argue it undermines American jobs. The discussion intensified following criticism from right-wing influencer Laura Loomer regarding Trump's advisor selections, prompting Musk to advocate for the inclusion of skilled immigrants essential for innovation and economic growth.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inThousands of artistic works, including literary classics and iconic characters, will enter the public domain in the United States on January 1, 2024. Under US copyright law, works created 95 years ago, such as Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" and William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury," will now be free to copy and adapt. Notable characters joining the public domain include Tintin, who debuted in 1929, and Popeye the Sailor. The Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke University publishes an annual list of these works, highlighting past entries like Mickey Mouse and Winnie-the-Pooh. Additionally, films like Alfred Hitchcock's "Blackmail" and musical compositions such as Maurice Ravel's "Bolero" will also become copyright-free, allowing for wider access and creativity in cultural production.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inTwo teenagers were hospitalised following stabbings during New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney and Melbourne. In Sydney, police responded to a park in Guildford at 10:40 p.m. local time, where a 17-year-old was stabbed in the back while allegedly watching a group set off illegal fireworks. He was treated on-site before being taken to hospital in serious but stable condition, while his attacker fled. Police made 36 arrests in Sydney's central business district for various offences during the celebrations, which drew over a million attendees. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, a teenager was stabbed in Blairgowrie around 5:45 p.m. and sustained non-life-threatening injuries; two suspects were arrested. Authorities reported 52 assaults and 14 weapon-related arrests in Melbourne, while illegal fireworks sparked small fires without injuries. Police assured the public of their commitment to safety throughout the festivities.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 9 ameznews.inFrench President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged on Tuesday that his decision to call early parliamentary elections in June 2024 has resulted in increased political instability, marking a rare moment of contrition. In a televised address, he admitted that the move, intended to clarify the political landscape after disappointing European election results, led to a hung parliament with a surge of far-right lawmakers, undermining his authority. Macron's minority government, the first of its kind since 1962, collapsed in December, preventing the approval of France's 2025 budget. He also hinted at potential referendums on "decisive" issues, emphasizing the need for France to make strategic choices for the future. On international matters, he urged the European Union to adopt a more assertive stance on trade and security, stressing the importance of European self-reliance amidst global challenges, including the war in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 7 ameznews.inAs the world welcomed 2025, celebrations erupted globally amid a backdrop of political upheaval and conflict. Major cities, including New Delhi, New York, and Tokyo, were alive with festivities, featuring spectacular fireworks and cultural events. In India, crowds flocked to iconic locations such as India Gate and Marine Drive, while the Delhi Police humorously warned against drunk driving, promising a "cell block party" for offenders. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their New Year greetings, emphasizing hope and unity for the year ahead. Internationally, Times Square in New York attracted nearly a million revelers for its iconic ball drop, while Japan showcased the world's largest fireworks display. Celebrations also lit up Cairo's Great Pyramids and the streets of Taipei, highlighting a collective spirit of optimism as people bid farewell to a tumultuous year.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 8 ameznews.inChina has unveiled the world's first mobile 5G base station designed for battlefield conditions, capable of supporting high-speed, ultra-secure communications for up to 10,000 users within a three-kilometre radius. Developed in collaboration with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), this military-grade technology aims to transform modern warfare by facilitating the operation of unmanned systems such as drones and robotic units. The base station, led by PLA engineer Hou Jie, employs a novel design featuring drones that function as aerial base stations, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in challenging environments. Tests have demonstrated its effectiveness at speeds of 80 km/h, achieving data throughput of 10 gigabits per second and latency under 15 milliseconds. This initiative is part of China's broader strategy to enhance its military capabilities, following recent advancements in drone technology that enable them to emit powerful laser beams for precision strikes.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 8 ameznews.inRussian gas supplies to the European Union (EU) via Ukraine ceased on Wednesday after Ukraine's Naftogaz refused to extend its transit agreement with Gazprom, which expired on January 1. This decision, influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is expected to impact countries like Austria and Slovakia, which rely heavily on gas from Ukraine. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized the move, warning of significant financial repercussions amid a challenging economic climate. Conversely, Hungary remains largely unaffected as it receives gas through the TurkStream pipeline. Moldova faces a critical situation, having declared a state of emergency due to its reliance on Russian gas, which has already been reduced since the invasion. While Russian gas has plummeted from 35% of EU supply to just 8%, the EU is turning to alternative sources, including liquefied natural gas, to fill the gap left by Moscow.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 8 ameznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asserted that peace will not be handed to Ukraine as a gift, emphasizing the need for a strong nation to secure it, in a New Year video message. He expressed confidence that the United States would continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's ongoing invasion, which has lasted 34 months. Zelenskiy highlighted the importance of military assistance from the U.S. and reiterated that any peace settlement must include security guarantees and NATO membership, a demand Russia opposes. He cautioned against trusting Russia, stating that any handshake could lead to renewed aggression. Reflecting on Ukraine's military advancements over the past year, including drone strikes and incursions into Russian territory, he urged his compatriots to remain resolute in their fight for a respected and strong Ukraine on both the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 6 am
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