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Saudi Arabia has announced a ban on children attending the Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 to enhance their safety amid the yearly intense crowding. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that this measure aims to protect children from potential risks during the pilgrimage. Alongside this, new safety initiatives will be implemented, including information campaigns, advanced systems for managing pilgrim movement, and infrastructure improvements like modernized tent camps. The 2025 Hajj is scheduled for June 4-6, contingent on moon sighting, with priority given to first-time pilgrims. To manage crowd control effectively, Saudi authorities will issue only single-entry visas for tourism and family visits, impacting travelers from 14 countries. Additionally, registration for domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents, has commenced via the Nusuk app, which requires health updates and companion details for applicants. 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a lengthy two-hour phone call focused on resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine and establishing a "lasting peace." Putin expressed gratitude for Trump's commitment to ending hostilities and discussed the necessity of addressing the root causes of the conflict, including Russia's security interests. The leaders explored a potential 30-day ceasefire, with Trump proposing mutual restraint on attacks against energy infrastructure, to which Putin responded positively. They also agreed on a prisoner exchange set for March 19, involving 175 individuals from each side, and discussed humanitarian considerations for Ukrainian soldiers. Beyond Ukraine, the presidents touched on broader international issues, including cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and stability in the Middle East. They expressed mutual interest in normalizing bilateral relations and even considered organizing hockey matches between US and Russian players. Both leaders committed to ongoing dialogue on these matters. 
Published: Mar 18 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a rare public confrontation, Supreme Court Justice John Roberts rebuked President Donald Trump for calling for the impeachment of a federal judge who suspended deportation flights for alleged illegal migrants. Roberts emphasized that impeachment is not a suitable response to judicial disagreements, highlighting the importance of the appellate review process. Trump's remarks, made on Truth Social, targeted District Judge James Boasberg, whom he labeled a "Radical Left Lunatic." The call for impeachment follows a pattern of Trump attacking judges overseeing his legal troubles, raising concerns about potential constitutional crises. The White House has also criticized federal courts for blocking executive actions, but this marks the first time Trump has directly called for a judge's impeachment during his presidency. The last federal judge removed by Congress was in 2010, making such actions exceedingly rare. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a significant two-hour conversation, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the urgent need for a lasting peace in the Ukraine conflict, according to a statement from the White House. The leaders acknowledged that the ongoing war has caused unnecessary suffering for both nations and agreed that resources should be redirected to address the needs of their people. They proposed an immediate ceasefire, beginning with energy and infrastructure, and called for technical negotiations on maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. The discussion also touched on broader cooperation in the Middle East to avert future conflicts and the importance of halting the proliferation of strategic weapons, particularly concerning Iran's potential threat to Israel. Both leaders expressed optimism about the prospects of improved US-Russia relations, which could lead to significant economic opportunities and geopolitical stability once peace is achieved. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a stark warning to Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that recent military operations in Gaza mark "only the beginning" of Israel's response to the ongoing conflict. Speaking in a televised address, Netanyahu emphasized that the overnight strikes were a demonstration of Israel's military strength, asserting that future negotiations with Hamas would only occur "under fire." He underscored the necessity of maintaining military pressure to facilitate the release of additional hostages held by the militant group. This statement comes amid escalating tensions in the region, as Israel intensifies its military actions in response to ongoing hostilities. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inCongress leader Shashi Tharoor acknowledged his earlier criticism of India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, admitting he was left with "egg on his face" for opposing the government's approach during the war's onset. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Tharoor reflected on his February 2022 remarks, which condemned Russia's aggression as a violation of international law. He noted that India's diplomatic position has evolved, enabling Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage with both Ukraine and Russia effectively. Tharoor emphasized that India is now well-placed to contribute to lasting peace, citing its unique geopolitical distance from Europe. While he cannot officially represent the government as an opposition member, he suggested that India might be open to sending peacekeepers, especially since Russia would not accept NATO troops. He also highlighted India's extensive experience in peacekeeping missions, asserting its commitment to global stability. 
Published: Mar 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inTurkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel as a "terror state" following a series of airstrikes in Gaza that resulted in over 400 fatalities. Speaking at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner, Erdogan criticized the Israeli actions, stating, "The Zionist regime has once again shown that it is a terror state that feeds on the blood, lives and tears of the innocent." This escalation marks the most intense military activity in the region since a fragile ceasefire was established. The remarks reflect ongoing tensions and deep divisions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as international calls for restraint and dialogue grow amid the rising casualties. The situation continues to draw widespread condemnation and concern from various global leaders and organizations. 
Published: Mar 18 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a renewed effort to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Donald Trump engaged in a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18, 2025, aiming to negotiate a ceasefire. The conversation, which began at 10 am EDT, has reportedly lasted over 90 minutes, with the White House indicating that it is progressing well. This comes nearly three weeks after a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, where Trump expressed a willingness to discuss territorial concessions. European leaders are apprehensive that Trump may concede too much to Russia, particularly as Ukraine has been excluded from these discussions. Amidst a temporary halt to hostilities, Ukraine insists on an unconditional ceasefire, while Putin has reiterated Moscow's non-negotiable conditions, including the exclusion of NATO troops and a cessation of US military support for Ukraine. The outcome of the call remains closely monitored. 
Published: Mar 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIsraeli government spokesman David Mencer announced on Tuesday that the recent escalation of fighting in Gaza has been "fully coordinated with Washington," marking a significant intensification following the deadliest strikes since a fragile ceasefire was established in January. Mencer expressed gratitude towards President Donald Trump and his administration for their unwavering support for Israel during a press briefing. This statement underscores the close ties between the two nations as Israel resumes military operations in the region, which have resulted in rising casualties and heightened tensions. The renewed violence raises concerns about the potential for further conflict and complicates efforts to achieve lasting peace in the area. The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring developments as both sides brace for the implications of this renewed military engagement. 
Published: Mar 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inEuropol has issued a stark warning about the escalating role of artificial intelligence (AI) in organised crime, highlighting its use in creating child sexual abuse images and facilitating money laundering through cryptocurrency. In an extensive 80-page threat assessment, the European police agency noted that rapid technological advancements are transforming the landscape of crime, making it increasingly sophisticated and difficult to combat. AI enables criminal networks to operate on a global scale, enhancing their capabilities in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and cybercrime. The report also pointed out that the exploitation of digital assets has hindered authorities' ability to recover illicit funds, with confiscation rates stagnating at around two percent. As technologies like quantum computing advance, Europol warns that the anonymity and efficiency of criminal operations will likely increase, raising the alarming prospect of entirely AI-controlled criminal networks in the future. 
Published: Mar 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe United States declared on Tuesday that Hamas had opted for war by not releasing hostages, prompting Israel to launch its most severe military strikes since a ceasefire was established. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated that Hamas's decision to withhold hostages indicated a choice for conflict rather than peace, as their release could have extended the ceasefire. In response to the ongoing situation, Israel reaffirmed its commitment to continue military operations until all hostages are returned. The escalation marks a significant turning point in the conflict, raising concerns about the humanitarian implications and the potential for further violence in the region. 
Published: Mar 18 2025, 7 pm
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