eznews.in
Brussels: Google has been charged with two violations of the EU's Digital Markets Act as antitrust regulators intensify their scrutiny of Big Tech. The European Commission's preliminary findings allege that Google restricts app developers from directing users to alternative offers outside its Google Play store and favours its own services, such as Google Flights and Google Shopping, over competitors. These actions are seen as attempts to maintain dominance in the market, with regulators stating that Google's service fees for app developers are unjustified. EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera emphasized the importance of these findings in ensuring compliance with EU regulations. Google, which has faced over €8 billion in fines for past antitrust violations, could face additional penalties of up to 10% of its global annual sales if found guilty. This development occurs amid tensions with the US, where President Trump has threatened tariffs against countries penalizing American firms. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a significant development regarding Ukraine's energy infrastructure, President Donald Trump has proposed that the United States consider taking ownership of Ukrainian power plants. Karoline Leavitt, speaking at a White House briefing shortly after Trump's conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasized that "American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure." This suggestion comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia continue to unfold. The proposal underscores the U.S. commitment to bolstering Ukraine's energy security amid the ongoing war. The conversation reflects a growing interest in enhancing American involvement in Ukraine's critical infrastructure as a means of ensuring stability and resilience in the region. 
Published: Mar 20 2025, 1 ameznews.inPope Francis has suspended the use of an oxygen mask as his health shows signs of improvement following a month-long hospitalization for pneumonia in both lungs. The Vatican reported that the 88-year-old pontiff, who has been receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14, is now relying less on high-flow oxygen therapy and has made progress in his motor and respiratory physiotherapy. While the pope's pneumonia is under control, it has not been fully eliminated, and his discharge from the hospital is not imminent. The Vatican cautioned that the mask could be reintroduced if necessary. Despite recent improvements, including moments of independent breathing, concerns remain about the pope's ability to participate in the busy schedule of religious events leading up to Easter. The Vatican has not yet made any definitive decisions regarding his public engagements during this critical period. 
Published: Mar 20 2025, 1 ameznews.inElon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a supporter of former President Donald Trump, has voiced concerns over alleged conspiracies aimed at harming him and his company. In a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity, Musk linked the growing violence and hostility towards Tesla to his initiatives aimed at reducing government waste and corruption through his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He claimed that disrupting fraudulent activities has incited anger from those affected, stating, "They get very upset" when their illicit gains are threatened. Musk condemned the violence against Tesla as "terrorism," asserting that the company, which he described as peaceful, is being unfairly targeted. This unrest has escalated, with vandalism incidents, including a Molotov cocktail attack on Teslas in Las Vegas, under FBI investigation. Support for Musk has emerged from conservative lawmakers and Trump, who warned that those attacking Tesla will face severe repercussions. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a recent phone call, US President Donald Trump assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of his commitment to assist Ukraine in securing additional air defense equipment from Europe amid ongoing conflict with Russia. The conversation, held on Tuesday, also saw both leaders agree that their defense teams would closely share information as the situation on the battlefield continues to develop. This collaboration underscores the United States' ongoing support for Ukraine in its efforts to bolster its military capabilities against Russian aggression. The announcement was made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a briefing on Wednesday. 
Published: Mar 20 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe Israeli military announced on Wednesday the initiation of a "limited ground operation" aimed at regaining control of a crucial corridor in Gaza, marking a significant escalation in its offensive against Hamas. This operation comes just a day after missile strikes, effectively ending a ceasefire that had been in place since January. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel had previously withdrawn from the Netzarim corridor, a strategic area dividing northern Gaza from the south, which it had utilized as a military zone. The renewed hostilities signal a troubling shift in the region, as tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe Trump administration has intensified its immigration policies, confirming that visa screening continues even after a visa is issued. The U.S. Department of State announced that visa holders will be monitored to ensure compliance with U.S. laws, warning that violations could lead to visa revocation or deportation. This has raised concerns among Indian Green Card holders, particularly the elderly, who often split their time between the U.S. and India. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers reportedly pressure these individuals to sign Form I-407 to abandon their permanent resident status upon their return, interpreting extended stays abroad as a lack of intent to reside permanently in the U.S. Immigration lawyers criticize this approach as an overreach, leaving many Green Card holders feeling trapped and apprehensive about visiting their home country, amidst growing uncertainty about their immigration status. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIndia is poised to potentially join a new multilateral alliance focusing on the South China Sea, known as the 'Squad', which currently includes Japan, Australia, the US, and the Philippines. General Romeo S. Brawner of the Philippines highlighted the group's aim to counter China's military assertiveness in the region, particularly as tensions escalate between Manila and Beijing. The informal alliance has been conducting joint maritime activities for over a year, and Brawner expressed a desire to expand its membership to include India and South Korea. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "China is our common enemy," and suggested that intelligence sharing could enhance deterrence capabilities. The proposal for India to join the 'Squad' will be discussed during Brawner's meeting with India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan. This development comes amid ongoing disputes over territorial claims in a region crucial for global trade. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 10 pmeznews.inEurope's Euclid space telescope, launched in 2023, has released its first data, marking a significant milestone in its mission to explore dark matter and dark energy. Operating 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, Euclid aims to map one-third of the sky, encompassing 1.5 billion galaxies, to create an unprecedented 3D representation of the universe. The initial data release, which includes 35 terabytes and 27 scientific papers, covers less than 0.5 percent of the planned observations over six years. Early findings hint at the "cosmic web," a vast structure formed by galaxy clusters and filaments of material, indicating the influence of dark matter and dark energy, which together account for 95 percent of the universe. Utilizing artificial intelligence and over 10,000 volunteers, the consortium identified around 500 gravitational lenses in just a week, suggesting a fruitful future for Euclid's ongoing research. Full data catalogues are expected next year. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a crucial two-hour phone call with former US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, focusing on the details of Trump's recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelensky's spokesman, Sergiy Nykyforov, confirmed the discussion, highlighting its significance amid heightened tensions. The Kremlin indicated that both Trump and Putin share a mutual understanding and trust, expressing a desire to normalize relations between the US and Russia after years of conflict stemming from Russia's actions in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the two leaders are committed to gradually improving their diplomatic ties, a sentiment that underscores the complex geopolitical landscape following years of hostility. This conversation comes at a critical juncture in international relations, as Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing war. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a tragic incident on Wednesday, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported the death of a foreign UN worker and serious injuries to five others following an Israeli airstrike on their headquarters. The ministry stated that the victims were transported to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital after the bombing in the central governorate. However, the Israeli army denied targeting a UN facility, asserting that there was no operational activity in the area. Footage from the scene showed UN vehicles and injured individuals, some wearing bulletproof vests and UN-branded clothing. This incident occurred amidst a surge in violence, with Gaza’s civil defense agency reporting 13 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes since midnight, while the health ministry’s death toll from the ongoing conflict rose dramatically from 48,577 to 49,547 within just 48 hours, marking one of the deadliest periods since the war began on October 7, 2023. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 8 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
