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Germany's government has accused US billionaire Elon Musk of attempting to influence the upcoming February elections by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a claim rejected by major political factions. Musk, known for his support of Donald Trump, stated on his social media platform X that "only the AfD can save Germany," further solidifying his stance in an opinion piece for a German newspaper. Government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann emphasized that elections are determined by German voters and criticized Musk’s interference, noting that parts of the AfD have been deemed "extremist" by domestic security. Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of the Social Democrats, likened Musk's actions to those of Vladimir Putin, suggesting both seek to undermine democracy in Germany. With elections set for February 23, the AfD currently polls at 19%, trailing behind the CDU/CSU at 32%, while the SPD faces a potential record low at 16%. 
Published: Dec 30 2024, 8 pmeznews.inAt least 27 migrants, including women and children, have tragically died after two boats capsized off the coast of central Tunisia, with 83 others rescued, according to a civil defence official. The victims, all from sub-Saharan Africa, were attempting to reach Europe when their boats sank near the Kerkennah Islands, a notorious departure point for irregular migrants aiming for Italy, just 150 kilometres away. Ongoing searches are being conducted by the Tunisian National Guard for any additional missing passengers. The Mediterranean crossing has become increasingly perilous, particularly amid worsening weather conditions, leading to a surge in recent shipwrecks. Earlier this month, similar incidents resulted in multiple fatalities, with human rights groups estimating that between 600 and 700 migrants have died or gone missing off Tunisia this year alone, contributing to a grim total of over 1,300 migrant deaths in 2023.
Published: Jan 02 2025, 6 pmeznews.inChina has ramped up its sanctions against the United States, targeting ten American defence firms in response to arms sales to Taiwan. This marks the second round of sanctions within a week, bringing the total number of sanctioned or penalized US entities to 45, comprising 17 firms and 28 others added to an export ban list. Notable companies affected include subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics, which have been placed on China's "Unreliable entities list," prohibiting them from any import or export activities in China and barring their senior management from entering the country. This aggressive move follows China's assertion that such actions by US firms interfere with its internal affairs and undermine its sovereignty. The tensions are heightened by Taiwan's significance as a strategic ally for Washington, which recently approved $571 million in defence aid for the island, further straining US-China relations amid ongoing military drills by Beijing.
Published: Jan 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inEbola, a highly fatal viral disease, remains a significant health threat, primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or bodily fluids from infected individuals. Recent research from the University of Iowa, in collaboration with Texas Biomedical Research Institute and Boston University, has unveiled a previously unstudied pathway through which the Ebola virus (EBOV) can traverse the skin, suggesting it may play a role in person-to-person transmission. The study, published in *Science Advances*, identifies new cell types in the skin targeted by EBOV and demonstrates that human skin specimens can support the virus's infection. Lead researcher Dr. Wendy Maury emphasized the importance of understanding these interactions, noting that the skin, the largest organ in the body, has been largely overlooked in Ebola research. This insight could inform the development of effective antiviral strategies against the virus.
Published: Jan 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans that left 15 people dead and over 30 injured, expressing his condolences to the victims' families. In a statement on X, Modi described the assault as a "cowardly" act and offered prayers for those affected, wishing them strength during this difficult time. The attack occurred in the French Quarter on New Year's Day when a driver plowed a pickup truck into a crowd, leading to chaos on Bourbon Street before being shot by police. The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism and has indicated that the driver may not have acted alone, noting the discovery of an Islamic State group flag on the vehicle's trailer hitch. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to uncover further details surrounding this tragic event.
Published: Jan 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking study published in *Research in Social Stratification and Mobility* reveals that gender-egalitarian earnings patterns among married couples are more prevalent than previously thought, challenging traditional views on financial dynamics within marriages. Conducted by Allison Dunatchik, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of South Carolina, the research examines the long-term trajectories of spousal earnings using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. The study found that approximately 60% of couples exhibit gender-egalitarian earnings patterns over time, which are influenced by socio-economic factors and can manifest in three distinct ways. By highlighting the fluctuating nature of economic contributions in response to life events and external circumstances, the research underscores the implications for gender inequality and broader economic disparities, suggesting that marital financial dynamics are complex and evolving rather than static.
Published: Jan 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inChina experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, with an average national temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius, according to the China Meteorological Administration. The past four years have been the warmest since records began in 1961, with extreme weather events impacting daily life, such as the absence of ice for traditional winter activities in Beijing. The country, the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, aims for its carbon dioxide emissions to peak by 2030 and reach net zero by 2060. Global temperatures also soared, with India, Australia, Germany, and the Czech Republic reporting record highs. The impacts of climate change are increasingly evident, leading to severe flooding, droughts, and economic losses estimated at $310 billion in 2024. As nations strive to meet the Paris Agreement targets, the urgency for climate action remains critical amid escalating natural disasters worldwide.
Published: Jan 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking study published in _Nature_, Chinese scientists have discovered that lithocholic acid (LCA), a bile naturally produced by the liver, exhibits anti-ageing properties akin to those achieved through calorie restriction. The research demonstrated that LCA enhances muscle regeneration, grip strength, and running capacity in genetically modified mice with human tissues. Previous studies indicated that LCA accumulates during calorie restriction, activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical regulator of inflammation and nerve degeneration associated with ageing. Additional experiments on fruit flies and nematodes showed that LCA significantly extended their lifespans. Lead researcher Lin Shengcai from Xiamen University noted the potential for developing LCA pills for human trials, aiming to address various health conditions and determine appropriate dosages. While promising, further research is necessary to confirm LCA's effects in humans, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies for healthy ageing.
Published: Jan 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inVietnam's birth rate has plummeted to a record low of 1.91 births per woman in 2024, marking the third consecutive year below the replacement rate of 2.1, according to _Newsweek_. This decline from 1.93 in 2023 and 2.01 in 2022 raises concerns about the sustainability of economic growth and support for an aging population, projected to exceed 20% of the population aged 65 or older by 2049. Deputy Health Minister Pham Vu Hoang warned that Vietnam's population could start shrinking by mid-century without intervention. The government is drafting a new population law aimed at stabilizing fertility rates, including initiatives to encourage childbirth before age 35 and remove penalties for third children. Additionally, Vietnam faces a gender imbalance, with 112 male births for every 100 female, prompting calls for improved reproductive health services. Officials are looking to global experiences to inform their policies as they address these pressing demographic challenges.
Published: Jan 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inOn October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the abduction of 251 hostages, including Matan Zangauker. His mother, Einav Zangauker, a vocal advocate for hostage negotiations, was barred from entering the Knesset due to alleged "serious violations of order." The Knesset spokesperson accused her of disrupting committee discussions and making violent threats, describing her behavior as unacceptable. Zangauker countered that it was illogical for her to be denied access to the Knesset, where she believes members are neglecting the plight of the hostages while focusing on internal politics. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition party Yesh Atid, condemned the restriction on Zangauker as "disgraceful and shameful," urging Knesset members to listen to her concerns and prioritize the safe return of her son and other hostages.
Published: Jan 02 2025, 6 pmeznews.inMatthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old US Army veteran, has been identified as the suspect behind the explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas, which resulted in one fatality and injured at least seven others. Livelsberger reportedly rented the vehicle in Colorado before driving it around Las Vegas and stopping at the hotel. The FBI is investigating potential connections between this incident and a recent rampage in New Orleans, where another Army veteran, Shamsud Din-Jabbar, used a rented truck to kill 15 people. Both vehicles were rented through Turo. Reports indicate that the Cybertruck contained fireworks, gas tanks, and camp fuel, contributing to the explosion. Tesla founder Elon Musk described the incident as an "act of terrorism," emphasizing that the vehicle's design minimized the blast’s impact, preventing significant damage to the hotel.
Published: Jan 02 2025, 3 pm
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