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French actor Gérard Depardieu, currently on trial for sexual assault, vehemently denied the allegations in a Paris court on Tuesday, asserting he does not "grope" women and criticized the #MeToo movement as a "reign of terror." The 76-year-old, who faces charges related to incidents involving two women during the filming of "Les Volets Verts" in 2021, claimed he was mischaracterized and described his behavior as a misunderstanding. The accusations, made by a set dresser and an assistant director, include sexual violence and inappropriate comments. Depardieu, who has faced similar allegations from around 20 women, argued that he had not worked for three years due to the ongoing scandal and expressed frustration at the treatment he has received. The trial has drawn attention as it represents a significant moment in French cinema's reckoning with sexual misconduct. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 12 ameznews.inIsraeli police released Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal on Tuesday after detaining him for allegedly "hurling rocks" during a violent confrontation in the occupied West Bank village of Susya, which activists claim was initiated by settlers. Following his release, Ballal, who was injured during the incident, expressed disbelief at experiencing such violence post-Oscar win, stating, "The goal was to kill." The Israeli military reported that three Palestinians were arrested during the altercation, which involved mutual rock-throwing between Israelis and Palestinians. Ballal's injuries, including bleeding from his head and stomach, were confirmed by his colleagues. Activists have noted a rise in settler violence against Palestinians since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region, where around three million Palestinians live alongside nearly half a million Israeli settlers in areas deemed illegal under international law. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAn Uber Eats driver has been dismissed after allegedly urinating in a lift at the Northview Apartments in Artarmon, Sydney, on March 10, an incident captured on video that has since gone viral on social media platform X. The footage shows the driver entering the lift while holding a delivery parcel, before he reportedly unzips his pants and urinates on the lift's front doors, leaving a wet patch upon exiting. Uber Eats condemned the driver's actions, stating such behaviour is unacceptable on their platform. Residents expressed their disgust, noting that despite a thorough sanitisation of the lift, a lingering odour remained, necessitating costly repairs. The incident represents a serious violation of food handling standards, according to one resident. New South Wales Police have initiated an investigation and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inTata Group has emerged as a key global supplier for Tesla, the electric vehicle company led by billionaire Elon Musk, according to The Economic Times. Several Tata firms—including Tata Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tata AutoComp, and Tata Electronics—have signed agreements to provide critical components and services, contributing approximately $2 billion worth of supplies to Tesla in FY24. As Tesla seeks to diversify its supply chain, sourcing from India is expected to increase, particularly if the company establishes a manufacturing unit in the country. Currently, Tesla is exploring manufacturing opportunities across various Indian states, while maintaining strict non-disclosure agreements with suppliers regarding their contributions. Tata's firms are well-positioned to enhance their roles within Tesla's supply chain, supplying essential components such as circuit-board technologies and specialized EV engineering products, as the American automaker continues to build partnerships with Indian manufacturers. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA significant security breach involving a chat group of senior Trump administration officials discussing military plans has raised concerns about the future of US intelligence sharing, according to Democratic Senator Mark Warner. During a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Warner highlighted the importance of international intelligence collaboration, which is crucial for national security and relies on trust among allies like Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The breach reportedly included The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a conversation about military strikes in Yemen, prompting outrage from national security experts over the use of a public messaging app for sensitive discussions. Warner warned that such incidents could erode trust and make the US less safe, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged that mistakes happen but emphasized the need for stronger defense capabilities. Meanwhile, Trump supported his Defense Secretary's controversial remarks about European nations "freeloading" off US military resources. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA Shanghai woman, identified as Ms. Li, has suffered liver damage after unknowingly consuming wastewater for five years due to a plumbing error involving her water purifier. The 30-year-old reported irregular periods and frequent diarrhoea, leading her to investigate her water quality. Using a "water quality pen," she discovered that the purifier's water contained a total dissolved solids (TDS) level of 607 mg/L, far exceeding the expected 24 mg/L and worse than the tap water's 321 mg/L. An investigation revealed that the purifier's cleaned water had been improperly routed to the sewer, while the wastewater was consumed. While Xiaomi, the purifier's manufacturer, has offered a full refund and to replace a filter, Ms. Li is seeking medical evidence linking her health issues to the contaminated water and has rejected the settlement. The company is currently assessing how to address the situation, as the technician responsible for the installation is no longer available. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inMelania Trump's iconic wedding gown, designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior, is currently up for auction on eBay, with a starting bid of $45,000, significantly lower than its original price of $100,000. The dress, which the First Lady wore during her marriage to Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, 20 years ago, is described as a strapless ivory duchesse satin creation embellished with Swarovski crystals and featuring a dramatic 13-foot train. The current seller, who purchased the gown for $70,000 for her own wedding in 2010, has made alterations to accommodate her size, including added shoulder straps and intricate beading. Although the gown has been worn only twice, it lacks a certificate of authenticity. The auction has garnered considerable interest, attracting over 3,500 views within 24 hours. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inDemocratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is under fire for remarks made about Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, during a Human Rights Campaign event in Los Angeles. Referring to Abbott as "Governor Hot Wheels" and a "hot a mess," her comments have sparked significant backlash from politicians and social media users, with many calling for her to be held accountable. Critics, including prominent conservative voices, condemned her remarks as cruel and indicative of a lack of character, particularly given Abbott's history of being paralyzed from the waist down after a tree fell on him at age 26. In response, Crockett defended her comments on X, stating that her references were not aimed at Abbott's disability but rather at his controversial policies regarding migrant transfers. She expressed disbelief that those who support former President Trump, known for similar derogatory remarks, would take offense at her words. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 2 pmeznews.inVice President JD Vance is set to visit Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on Friday, amid rising tensions regarding the territory's future as it remains in the crosshairs of US strategic interests. Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha, will receive a briefing on Arctic security and engage with US servicemembers, a move criticized by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as "unacceptable pressure" on both Greenland and Denmark. The visit follows former President Donald Trump's controversial stance on potentially acquiring Greenland for national security reasons, with Vance asserting that foreign threats necessitate a stronger US presence in the region. The trip occurs during a period of political transition in Greenland, which is seeking greater autonomy from Denmark and holds significant mineral reserves. Both US and Danish officials have faced backlash for perceived interference in Greenland's political affairs, as local leaders negotiate a new coalition government. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn San Diego, Ukrainian refugees Nikita Demydov and his family, who fled the devastation in Kharkiv, are facing uncertainty as the Trump administration suspends the "Uniting for Ukraine" program that previously allowed over 200,000 Ukrainians to reside legally in the U.S. Demydov, who has established a life and small businesses in California, fears losing everything again. The program, initiated by President Biden in April 2022 amidst the Russian invasion, provided stability for many fleeing conflict. However, its suspension has left thousands in limbo, with concerns about work permits and housing. Community supporter Vlad Fedoryshyn highlights the anxiety among refugees, who feel abandoned by U.S. policy changes. As the war in Ukraine rages on, many refugees are left grappling with the prospect of returning to a warzone or facing an uncertain future in the U.S. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA proposed anti-gay law in Kenya could cost the nation up to $7.8 billion annually, according to a report by the charity Open for Business. This British organization highlights the economic consequences of discrimination against LGBTQ individuals, estimating that Kenya, along with Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, currently loses about $5 billion per year due to such biases. Although gay sex is illegal in Kenya under a colonial-era law, enforcement is rare, and the country has been relatively safe for LGBTQ people. However, societal stigma persists, exacerbated by religious and political rhetoric. A draft Family Protection Bill proposes severe penalties, including up to 50 years in prison for same-sex relations, pending parliamentary debate. Open for Business warns that the law could deter foreign investment and tourism, while increasing healthcare costs linked to mental health and HIV disparities. The report urges leaders to consider the broader implications of discrimination for all East Africans. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 12 pm
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