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President Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk will inspect Fort Knox, the iconic gold depository in Kentucky, to verify the presence of its gold reserves, despite Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent affirming that annual audits confirm all gold is accounted for. Established in 1937, Fort Knox is not only a secure storage facility for America’s gold—holding approximately 147.3 million ounces—but also serves as the U.S. Army's human resources command center. Trump expressed his desire to ensure that "the cupboards are bare" are not revealed during this inspection. The facility, known for its stringent security measures and impenetrable reputation, has only been opened to the public a few times, including visits by journalists in 1974 and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin in 2017. Fort Knox's storied history includes its role during World War I and its transformation into a military training center. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe carnivore diet, which consists exclusively of animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy, has gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts, notably endorsed by podcaster Joe Rogan. Despite facing digestive issues, Rogan continues to advocate for the diet, citing benefits such as weight loss and improved cognitive function. However, medical professionals express significant concerns regarding its long-term health implications. Experts warn that the diet may increase the risk of kidney stones, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases due to its high intake of red meat and saturated fats. A case study highlighted a Florida man who developed serious skin conditions after eight months on the diet. While some specialists, like Dr. Georgia Ede, suggest that the carnivore diet may help identify food sensitivities and alleviate digestive problems for certain individuals, the consensus remains that cutting out fiber-rich fruits and vegetables could have detrimental health effects over time. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn just a month of his second term, President Donald Trump has notably altered US foreign policy, aligning more closely with Russia and distancing the US from its traditional allies. His administration has embraced the Kremlin's narrative regarding Ukraine, sidelining both Kyiv and European partners, which has raised concerns among NATO members about the future of US security commitments. Following a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump initiated negotiations to end the Ukraine war without including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who expressed fears of being excluded from critical discussions. Trump's Vice President, JD Vance, further fueled apprehension by suggesting Europe would not be part of peace talks. As Trump appears to blame Ukraine for the conflict and seeks to reverse sanctions on Russia, European leaders are left grappling with the implications of a potential shift in US policy, prompting discussions on deploying peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, albeit with limited support. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 2 pmeznews.inPolling stations across Germany opened on Sunday for crucial snap national elections, where conservatives are expected to regain power and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is poised for its best-ever result. With over 59 million eligible voters, the election comes amid concerns over Germany's ailing economy and rising migration issues, heightened by recent violent incidents. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz is favoured to succeed Olaf Scholz as chancellor, but coalition negotiations could prove challenging, particularly regarding the AfD, which has gained traction despite its controversial past. The Social Democrats, led by Scholz, face their worst electoral performance since World War II, complicating potential alliances. Analysts suggest a coalition between Merz's Christian Democrats and the SPD is likely, but the need for smaller parties to meet the 5% threshold may necessitate a more complex coalition. Germany's political landscape is shifting, raising concerns about governance and the future of European unity. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 2 pmeznews.inTech billionaire Elon Musk's recent mandate for U.S. federal employees to justify their work has sparked significant backlash within the Trump administration. Kash Patel, the newly appointed FBI director, has advised staff to "pause any responses" to Musk's email ultimatum, which demanded a summary of accomplishments from federal workers. Musk's directive, sent via the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, threatened that failure to respond would be interpreted as a resignation. While the email requested a brief account of weekly achievements, it did not explicitly state that non-compliance would lead to termination. Many federal employees, including those at the National Treasury Employees Union, were told to refrain from replying until further guidance was issued. Musk later attempted to mitigate concerns, stating that the expectations were minimal and that any coherent response would suffice. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAlice Weidel, an openly gay politician leading Germany's far-right AfD party, has emerged as a surprising figure in the country’s political landscape as it heads into elections. Living in Switzerland with her Sri Lankan partner, Weidel is viewed by critics as a "fig leaf" for a party known for its anti-immigration stance and controversial views on Germany's Nazi past. Polls suggest the AfD could secure around 20% of the vote, potentially placing it second. Weidel has garnered support from prominent figures like Elon Musk and Viktor Orban, and her increasing visibility has been described as a "normalisation" of the AfD. While she has distanced herself from the broader LGBTQ movement, she remains a polarising figure, advocating for extreme measures such as border closures and "remigration." Her leadership signals a significant shift within the party, which historically struggled to connect with mainstream voters. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAn unexpected "cold email" from Indian YouTuber and podcaster Dwarkesh Patel led to an insightful interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who reflected on the company's failure to foresee the rise of search engines as a dominant business model. In a candid conversation, Nadella admitted that Microsoft underestimated the significance of search in organizing the web, allowing Google to capture a lucrative market. "We missed what turned out to be the biggest business model on the web," he stated, emphasizing the difficulty of adapting to such business model shifts compared to technological changes. Patel, who hosts prominent figures like Mark Zuckerberg, reached out to Nadella after noticing his subscription to his newsletter, prompting a swift response from the CEO. The discussion also covered major technological transitions, including the shift from mainframes to personal computers and the emergence of web browsers, which Nadella described as pivotal moments for Microsoft. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 12 pmeznews.inElon Musk has reignited tensions with former X CEO Parag Agrawal, who was dismissed by Musk in 2022, by referencing their past interactions while implementing a controversial new directive for federal employees. Musk, recently appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by President Donald Trump, mandated that federal workers justify their productivity from the previous week by Monday or face termination. His remarks echoed a previous exchange with Agrawal, where Musk questioned his accomplishments, leading to Agrawal's firing. This week, federal employees received emails requesting a summary of their work, with non-compliance interpreted as a resignation. The directive has raised questions about its legal standing, particularly concerning employees unable to disclose confidential work. As agencies grapple with the implications, some employees, including those at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, face additional challenges due to ongoing legal restrictions on mass firings. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn a heartfelt response to his nephew Kash Patel's appointment as FBI Director, Krishnakant Patel expressed immense pride during an interview with ANI. He emphasized the significance of Patel taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita, noting it as a testament to preserving his Indian heritage while serving abroad. "That is the biggest thing," he remarked, highlighting the cultural importance of the moment. Krishnakant, who manages their ancestral home in Bhadran village, Anand district, shared his excitement about the appointment, stating he plans to reconnect with Kash after a long period of silence. During his swearing-in ceremony, Kash Patel reflected on his journey as a first-generation Indian American, asserting, "Anyone who thinks the American Dream is dead, look right here," underscoring his belief in the opportunities available in the United States. His family, including his girlfriend, stood by him as he celebrated this milestone. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA Hawaii man, Gordon Cordeiro, was released from prison after 30 years following a judge's ruling based on new DNA evidence that could change the outcome of his murder conviction. Cordeiro, who maintained his innocence in the 1994 killing of Timothy Blaisdell during a drug deal robbery, celebrated his release as "Freedom Friday." His initial trial ended in a hung jury, but he was later convicted and sentenced to life without parole. The Hawaii Innocence Project argued that Cordeiro was wrongfully convicted due to reliance on incentivized jailhouse informants and prosecutorial misconduct. Despite the ruling, Maui County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin expressed disappointment and plans to appeal, citing concerns over Cordeiro being a flight risk. Cordeiro's attorneys highlighted that new DNA testing excluded him as a suspect and pointed to inconsistencies in witness testimonies. Cordeiro, now 51, expressed gratitude and looked forward to reuniting with his mother. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 1 pmeznews.inVasundhara Oswal, daughter of Indian billionaire Pankaj Oswal, was detained in Uganda for three weeks last year on false charges of kidnapping and murdering her father's former employee, who was later discovered alive in Tanzania. Arrested on October 1 and granted bail on October 21, the 26-year-old spent her time in a high-security prison alongside convicted criminals. Oswal, who holds a finance degree and serves as Executive Director of PRO Industries, described her ordeal as a "gross violation of human rights," alleging she was denied food, water, and sanitary access. She claimed her parents had to bribe police for basic necessities and accused Ugandan authorities of conducting warrantless searches and coercing her into statements without legal counsel. Despite presenting a police bond and evidence of the alleged victim's survival, she remained incarcerated until her release, highlighting serious concerns about her treatment during detention. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 11 am
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