eznews.in
Germany's upper house of parliament has approved a substantial spending package aimed at enhancing military capabilities and overhauling infrastructure, marking a significant shift in fiscal policy. The initiative, championed by likely future Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU/CSU coalition, allows defence spending exceeding one percent of GDP to bypass constitutional debt limits and establishes a 500-billion-euro fund for infrastructure projects over the next 12 years. This ambitious plan, which could total over one trillion euros, reflects a response to geopolitical tensions and a desire for greater independence from U.S. military support. Bavarian Premier Markus Soeder described the infrastructure investment as a "new German Marshall Plan," emphasizing the need for urgent repairs to roads and railways. The proposal garnered support from 53 of the Bundesrat's 69 members, despite opposition from some state representatives concerned about increasing state debt. 
Published: Mar 21 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA federal judge has expressed serious concerns over President Donald Trump's use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members, calling the policy "incredibly troublesome." Chief Judge James Boasberg of the US District Court temporarily halted deportation flights last weekend, questioning the legality of using a centuries-old law for summary removals. During a hearing, he noted that such measures were historically applied only during declared wars, unlike the current situation. Trump's response included calling for Boasberg's impeachment, prompting a rare rebuke from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who stated that impeachment is not an appropriate reaction to judicial disagreements. Lawyers for the deported Venezuelans argued their clients were wrongly targeted based on tattoos, while Trump defended the actions, claiming the individuals were "bad" with criminal records. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security reportedly dismissed nearly its entire civil rights branch on the same day. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 9 ameznews.inTech billionaire Elon Musk has launched a cash giveaway campaign aimed at Wisconsin voters ahead of a pivotal state supreme court election, promoting a petition against what he terms "activist judges." The initiative, backed by Musk's pro-Trump America PAC, offers $100 to voters who sign the petition, which supports conservative candidate Brad Schimel against Democrat Susan Crawford. Musk's move aligns with former President Donald Trump's ongoing criticism of judicial decisions that hinder his political agenda. The Justice Department previously warned Musk that such financial incentives might violate federal laws against paying for voter registration. Critics, including Crawford's campaign, argue that Musk is attempting to influence the court's composition to benefit his company's legal disputes in Wisconsin, particularly regarding Tesla's dealership regulations. The election is set for April 1, with significant implications for the state's judiciary and Musk's business interests. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 9 ameznews.inA British woman who changed her name to Pudsey Bear 16 years ago for charity has expressed frustration over her inability to obtain a passport due to Home Office officials deeming her name "frivolous" and potentially infringing copyright. Eileen De Bont, 53, adopted the name after an eBay auction raised £4,000 for the BBC's _Children in Need_. Despite her name being accepted by various institutions, including her bank and health services, the Passport Office has repeatedly rejected her application. De Bont maintains her new identity is integral to her life and business, which includes a tarot reading service with a significant online following. The Home Office has suggested she seek permission from the BBC, the copyright holder, before reapplying. A spokesperson confirmed that all applications are assessed on their individual merits, and they would welcome a new application from her. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Friday it will revoke legal protections for approximately 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, potentially subjecting them to deportation as early as April 24. These individuals, who arrived in the U.S. since October 2022 under a humanitarian parole program, were initially granted two-year permits to live and work with financial sponsorship. Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that those without lawful status must depart before their parole termination date, highlighting that parole is a temporary measure. The decision follows a previous move by the Trump administration aimed at curtailing what it deemed the "broad abuse" of humanitarian parole. Advocates have condemned the action as "reckless and cruel," arguing that it will lead to chaos for families and communities. Legal challenges against the policy are already underway, with calls to reinstate protections for affected nationalities. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 8 ameznews.inA teacher at a Catholic school in Italy, Elena Maraga, 29, has been suspended after parents discovered she was an OnlyFans model. The revelation came when a parent recognized her on the adult platform and shared the information in a WhatsApp group and on Facebook. Maraga defended her actions, stating that her monthly salary of around 1,200 euros was unsustainable, prompting her to explore alternative careers. She expressed pride in her physical achievements and the financial success she found on the platform, claiming to earn a month's salary in just one day. In response to the incident, Italy's education ministry is developing a new code of ethics aimed at preventing teachers from engaging in activities that could tarnish their schools' reputations. The situation has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many defending Maraga's right to her private life, while others emphasize the ethical responsibilities of educators. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe Indian government has urged its citizens studying in the US to adhere to American laws following the arrest of researcher Badar Khan Suri at Georgetown University for allegedly spreading "Hamas propaganda" and the self-deportation of Columbia University student Ranjini Srinivasan after her visa was revoked due to her involvement in pro-Palestine protests. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, noted that neither individual sought assistance from Indian embassies in the US. The crackdown on pro-Palestine activism has intensified under President Donald Trump, who has labeled such individuals as "terrorist sympathizers." While a court has temporarily blocked Suri's deportation, Srinivasan opted to leave for Canada. Jaiswal emphasized the importance of compliance with local laws and reassured students that Indian consulates are available to assist those encountering difficulties while studying abroad. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe Israeli military intercepted a missile fired from Yemen on Friday, marking the third attack by Iran-aligned Houthi militants within 48 hours. The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, as their spokesperson, Yahya Saree, announced the escalation in response to recent U.S. airstrikes in the region, which have resulted in significant casualties. The group has also alleged attacks against the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, although no evidence was provided. Since the onset of the conflict with Hamas in late 2023, the Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on shipping, disrupting global commerce and prompting U.S. military interventions. Their actions are part of a broader strategy to expand their targets in Israel and support Gaza's Palestinians, aligning them with the "Axis of Resistance," which includes other regional militias backed by Iran. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Britain have urgently called for an "immediate return" to a ceasefire in Gaza as Israel intensifies its military offensive in the region. This renewed assault, which began on Tuesday, has ended a period of relative calm following a ceasefire established on January 19. In a joint statement, the ministers expressed their dismay at the rising civilian casualties, stating, "The resumption of Israeli strikes in Gaza marks a dramatic step backward." Their appeal followed Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz's threats to annex parts of Gaza if Hamas fails to release remaining Israeli hostages. The ministers urged all parties to re-engage in negotiations to ensure a lasting ceasefire, emphasizing that Hamas must release the hostages and cease to govern Gaza or pose a threat to Israel. They also called on Israel to adhere to international law and facilitate humanitarian aid to the territory. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 5 ameznews.inHundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Istanbul on Friday night, protesting the arrest of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a significant rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This marked the largest street protests in Turkey in over a decade, with opposition leader Ozgur Ozel claiming "300,000 people" participated, emphasizing that the rally transcended party lines in support of democracy. Amidst the protests, clashes erupted with police employing tear gas and rubber bullets, leading to multiple injuries and arrests. Erdogan condemned the protests as "street terrorism," asserting that the opposition's actions were a "dead end." The unrest spread to at least 40 provinces, and authorities imposed a protest ban in major cities. Imamoglu's arrest, which occurred just before he was to be named the CHP's candidate for the 2028 presidential election, has also negatively impacted Turkey's economy, with the lira and stock market suffering losses. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe Israeli military announced on Friday that it had killed Osama Tabash, the head of Hamas' military intelligence, during an operation in southern Gaza. In its statement, the military identified Tabash as also leading the militant group's surveillance and targeting unit. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, although Hamas has yet to respond to the announcement. The operation took place on Thursday, and the news comes amid heightened tensions in the region. The killing of a high-ranking Hamas official could have implications for the group's operational capabilities and the broader security situation in Gaza. The Israeli military has intensified its actions against Hamas in recent months, aiming to disrupt the group's military infrastructure. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 6 am
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
