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Google Settles $28M Lawsuit Over Employee Discrimination Claims

Google has reached a $28 million settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging discriminatory pay practices favoring white and Asian employees over their minority counterparts. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Ana Cantu, a racially indigenous Mexican former employee, claimed that she and others from Hispanic, Latino, and Native American communities faced unequal pay and limited career advancement opportunities despite their qualifications. The settlement, approved by Judge Charles Adams of the Santa Clara County Superior Court, will benefit 6,632 affected employees in California from February 15, 2018, to December 31, 2024. While Google maintains its stance against the allegations, asserting a commitment to equitable treatment, the settlement will result in $20.4 million after legal fees and other costs are deducted. Cantu, who left the company in September 2021, argued that her experience exemplified systemic inequities within the tech giant. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 4 pm

Europe's Dark Universe Telescope Releases First Data After Launch

Europe'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. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 8 pm

Trump Talks to Zelensky After Putin Call on Ukraine War

Ukrainian 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. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 8 pm

UN Worker Killed, 5 Hurt in Gaza; Israel Denies Strike

In 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. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 8 pm

Google Faces EU Rule Breach Accusations, Potential Fine

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. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 9 pm

Trump Calls Canada 'Nasty' Amid Trade War

US President Donald Trump intensified trade tensions with Canada on Tuesday, labeling the nation as “one of the nastiest countries to deal with” during an interview with Fox News. This remark comes amid an ongoing trade war sparked by US tariffs, leading to Canadian retaliatory measures and even boycotts of American products. Trump, who has previously referred to Canada as the "51st state," exaggerated the US trade deficit with Canada, claiming it to be $200 billion, while official figures estimate it at $63.3 billion for 2024. He dismissed the necessity of Canadian imports, stating, “We don’t need their lumber, we don’t need their energy.” In response, Canada’s new representative, Mark Carney, vowed to confront Trump and emphasized the need for respectful dialogue regarding sovereignty. Trump also expressed indifference about the upcoming Canadian elections, suggesting he finds it easier to negotiate with the ruling Liberals than the opposition Conservatives. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 7 pm

US Attorney General Addresses Domestic Terrorism Against Tesla

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has condemned a series of attacks on Tesla properties, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, as "domestic terrorism," pledging severe penalties for those responsible. In a statement, Bondi revealed that the Department of Justice has charged several individuals, with some facing five-year mandatory minimum sentences. The latest incident involved a fire at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas, where five vehicles were damaged and the word "Resist" was spray-painted on the building. Musk echoed the sentiment on social media, labeling the attacks as domestic terrorism and asserting that Tesla, which produces electric cars, has done nothing to warrant such violence. The incidents have led to a decline in Tesla's share prices and prompted the Vancouver International Auto Show to exclude the company from its event over safety concerns. Trump has voiced support for Musk, asserting that the attackers will face justice. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 7 pm

Mehul Choksi Not in Antigua, Says Foreign Minister

Mehul Choksi, the fugitive businessman wanted in India for allegedly defrauding Punjab National Bank of ₹13,850 crore, is currently not in Antigua and Barbuda, according to Foreign Minister EP Chet Greene. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Greene confirmed that Choksi had left the island for medical treatment but did not disclose his whereabouts, emphasizing that he remains an Antiguan citizen. Choksi, who fled India in January 2018, has previously claimed that he cannot return due to "reasons beyond (his) control." His case has drawn international attention, especially after he was briefly detained in Dominica before returning to Antigua. Greene assured that both governments are cooperating on the matter, respecting the rule of law, and working towards a resolution, while also dismissing any claims of subterfuge regarding Choksi's status. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 7 pm

Balochistan Sees Surge in Army Abductions and Disappearances

In a troubling escalation of human rights violations, reports indicate a significant rise in abductions and enforced disappearances in Balochistan, allegedly perpetrated by the Pakistani military and its intelligence agency, the ISI. Local human rights group, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has identified 11 individuals, including three minors, who were forcibly taken by security forces near SBK University in Nushki on March 16. The group, comprising local labourers, drivers, and students, reflects a broader trend of fear among families in the region, as many more remain unaccounted for. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has condemned these actions and called for urgent intervention from international human rights organizations. The ongoing crisis is rooted in Balochistan's contentious history, where residents have long resisted what they perceive as Pakistan's forceful occupation since the region's annexation in 1948, leading to continued unrest and conflict. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 7 pm

Naseer Soomro, Pakistan's Tallest Man, Dies at 55

Naseer Soomro, Pakistan's tallest man at 7 feet 9 inches, has passed away at the age of 55 in Shikarpur, Sindh, following a prolonged battle with lung illness. His brother, Riaz Soomro, revealed that Naseer had struggled with severe respiratory issues for months, requiring multiple hospitalizations, including treatment in Karachi. His extraordinary height earned him global recognition and a position with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), where he worked in airport customer services, becoming a source of pride for the nation. A large crowd gathered in Shikarpur for his funeral prayers, reflecting the impact of his life. Prominent figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, expressed condolences, with Sharif highlighting Soomro's role in showcasing Pakistan on the world stage. PIA also paid tribute, sending thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 5 pm

Vodafone Idea Negotiates with Starlink and Other Satcom Firms

Vodafone Idea has confirmed it is in exploratory discussions with several satellite communication providers, including Starlink, following recent partnerships between its competitors and Elon Musk's company. The announcement came after Indian stock exchanges requested clarification regarding Vodafone Idea's stock movements, which saw shares rise nearly 5% on Wednesday. Chief Technology Officer Jagbir Singh emphasized the company's strategy to deliver services in underserved areas where satellite technology is advantageous, as well as to provide fixed wireless broadband in rural regions and smaller towns where traditional service rollout is costly. This development follows last week's agreements between SpaceX and Indian telecom giants Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, which will enable them to offer Starlink's internet services in India, contingent upon government approval for operations. sources

Published:
Mar 19 2025, 5 pm

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