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Friedrich Merz is poised to be sworn in as Germany's new chancellor on Tuesday, inheriting a nation grappling with its longest post-war economic downturn, deteriorating relations with the U.S., and a rising far-right. Following his CDU/CSU party's victory in February's federal election, Merz has formed a coalition with the Social Democrats, aiming to restore stability after the collapse of Olaf Scholz's government. Analysts emphasize the urgency for Merz to demonstrate decisive leadership, particularly as economic challenges mount amid a global trade war and the fallout from the Ukraine conflict. While Merz, a seasoned politician with no prior government experience, is known for his economic liberalism, his controversial collaboration with the far-right Alternative for Germany has raised concerns. His cabinet, largely composed of new faces with private sector backgrounds, reflects a commitment to expertise and renewal in a bid to regain public trust and counter the AfD's rising influence. 
Published: May 06 2025, 1 pmeznews.inResearchers have identified the author of a charred scroll from the first century BC, using advanced X-ray technology to reveal it as part of a work titled "On Vices" by ancient Greek philosopher Philodemus. The scroll was discovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago, in a villa believed to belong to Julius Caesar's father-in-law. The innovative X-ray method allowed scientists to virtually unwrap the carbonised papyrus, uncovering traces of ink lettering for the first time. Dr. Michael McOsker from University College London noted the significance of this breakthrough, as many other scrolls from Herculaneum remain unreadable. The Vesuvius Challenge, launched in 2023, aims to decode these ancient texts, with a group of students recently winning $700,000 for successfully interpreting 2,000 Greek letters from another scroll. However, researchers still face challenges in converting scan data into coherent text.
Published: May 06 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA new study has raised alarms about the risks of marijuana use during pregnancy, linking it to increased chances of preterm birth, low birth weight, and even infant mortality. The psychoactive compound THC can cross the placenta, potentially harming fetal development, according to lead researcher Dr. Jamie Lo. She highlighted a significant correlation between prenatal cannabis use and perinatal mortality, as well as adverse effects on fetal lung function and reduced blood flow in the placenta. Despite these risks, usage among expectant mothers has surged, more than doubling from 2002 to 2017, primarily for recreational purposes. Dr. Lo cautioned against the misconception that marijuana is harmless due to its natural origins, comparing it to other plant-based substances like opium and alcohol. The study noted a 75% increased risk of low birth weight and a 52% higher risk of premature delivery, underscoring the urgent need for awareness regarding cannabis use during pregnancy.
Published: May 06 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAbdul Aziz Ghazi, a cleric from Islamabad's Lal Masjid, has sharply criticized the Pakistani government, asserting it is more oppressive than India and claiming that any potential war with India would lack an Islamic basis. In a viral video recorded on May 2, Ghazi condemned the Pakistani military for its actions against its citizens and highlighted the government's repression, particularly in regions like Waziristan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stated that the suffering and disappearances of people in Pakistan overshadow similar issues in India, provoking outrage on social media. Ghazi’s controversial remarks come amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India following a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. His statements reflect a significant shift for a figure associated with a mosque historically linked to radicalism and challenge the narrative of state authority in Pakistan, drawing criticism from figures like former ambassador Husain Haqqani.
Published: May 06 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAn Australian woman, Erin Patterson, 50, is on trial for allegedly murdering three relatives with a toxic mushroom-laced beef Wellington in 2023. The victims include her estranged husband's parents and aunt, while Baptist pastor Ian Wilkinson, the sole survivor, is also a victim of the incident. During testimony in the Latrobe Valley Law Courts, Wilkinson described Patterson as "reluctant" to allow guests to help in the kitchen and noted that after consuming the meal, he and his wife began vomiting, initially attributing it to gastroenteritis. Tragically, Heather Wilkinson died shortly after, while Patterson's in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, also succumbed to the effects of the meal. Patterson has pleaded not guilty, with her defense arguing it was a "terrible accident," while the prosecution contends she deliberately poisoned her guests. The trial is expected to last around six weeks.
Published: May 06 2025, 1 pmeznews.inMadison Marshall has pleaded guilty to two charges related to the death of her one-year-old daughter, Oaklee Snow, whose body was discovered in a hidden dresser drawer at an abandoned home in Indiana two years ago. She admitted to one count of neglect resulting in death and another count of neglect of a dependent, potentially facing a combined sentence of up to 25 years in prison if she adheres to a plea deal. Marshall has agreed to testify against her ex-boyfriend, Roan Waters, who is accused of fatally beating Oaklee. According to court documents, Marshall claimed that Waters prevented her from calling 911 after the incident, during which she found her daughter unresponsive. Under the terms of her plea deal, failure to provide truthful testimony against Waters could lead to her facing trial on the original charges.
Published: May 06 2025, 2 pmeznews.inChinese exporters are increasingly rerouting goods through third countries to evade steep US tariffs, which can reach as high as 245 percent. As reported by the _Financial Times_, this trend has intensified since the Trump administration imposed these duties, with freight brokers promoting "place-of-origin washing" on social media. Malaysia, with a comparatively low 24 percent tariff, has become a favored transshipment hub, allowing goods to be falsely labeled as locally made after minimal processing. This practice raises concerns about Malaysia's trade reputation, prompting calls for investigations into fraudulent origin declarations. The Malaysian Deputy Minister has urged businesses to avoid such tactics amid heightened scrutiny. Additionally, South Korea has reported significant country-of-origin fraud linked to US-bound goods, leading to the establishment of a task force to combat these illegal exports. As Chinese firms struggle with excess inventory, the government is urging local consumption, which could exacerbate deflationary pressures.
Published: May 06 2025, 2 pmeznews.inJagmeet Singh has officially stepped down as the leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) following a significant electoral defeat, with Vancouver MP Don Davies appointed as interim leader. Singh's resignation came after the NDP secured only seven seats in the April 28 federal election, a sharp decline from 25 in 2021, resulting in the loss of official party status in the House of Commons. Singh, who led the NDP since 2017 and was the first person of colour to head a federal party in Canada, lost his own seat in Burnaby Central, finishing third. His leadership faced criticism for a supply and confidence agreement with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority government, which some believe contributed to the party's poor performance. Davies, a seasoned MP since 2008, will guide the party as it prepares for a leadership race amid ongoing scrutiny of Singh's controversial ties to pro-Khalistan sentiments.
Published: May 06 2025, 2 pmeznews.inCardinals are set to move into Vatican accommodations ahead of a conclave on Wednesday to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. A total of 133 cardinal electors from 70 countries will gather in the Sistine Chapel, marking the largest and most international conclave in history. Due to limited space at the Santa Marta guesthouse, some cardinals will be housed at the nearby Santa Marta Vecchia. Preparatory meetings have been ongoing, addressing key issues such as Church unity and potential candidates, with at least five or six contenders identified. While Francis was a reformist, it remains uncertain whether his successor will adopt a similar progressive approach or lean towards conservatism. The cardinals are sworn to secrecy during the election process, with communication cut off until a new pope is elected, and ballot results indicated by smoke signals from the Vatican.
Published: May 06 2025, 2 pmeznews.inFriedrich Merz, Germany's designated next chancellor, is set to implement a conservative agenda focused on revitalizing the economy, enhancing military capabilities, and tightening immigration policies. A former lawyer and business executive with ties to BlackRock, the 69-year-old Merz aims to restore traditional conservative values following two decades of centrist leadership under Angela Merkel and the Social Democrats. He faces challenges, including addressing the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and navigating shifting US-German relations under President Trump. Merz has promised a "zero tolerance" approach to law enforcement and is considering a revival of nuclear energy, while also advocating for continued support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression. His political comeback follows a hiatus in business, and he is determined to act swiftly after a prolonged period of political stagnation in Berlin.
Published: May 06 2025, 12 pmeznews.inUS House Speaker Mike Johnson has reaffirmed America's commitment to supporting India in its long-standing battle against terrorism, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship during a Congressional briefing. Johnson expressed sympathy for India's struggles with cross-border terrorism and emphasized the need for cooperation, particularly in trade negotiations. His remarks come in the wake of a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities. Following this incident, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reached out to Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reiterating US support against terrorism and encouraging dialogue with Pakistan to ease regional tensions. President Donald Trump previously conveyed his condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemning the attack and pledging full support to bring the perpetrators to justice. The US administration continues to recognize the critical nature of its partnership with India in addressing security challenges.
Published: May 06 2025, 12 pm
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