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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.inA dramatic hostage situation unfolded in Pakistan's Balochistan region as armed rebels hijacked the Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 400 passengers. Security forces have successfully rescued 104 hostages, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, during an ongoing gunfight that has reportedly left at least 16 rebels dead. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility for the hijacking, has denied casualties on its side and threatened to execute hostages if their demands—release of political prisoners—are not met within 48 hours. The train was intercepted in a tunnel after the rebels blew up the tracks, prompting a military response that has faced challenges due to the mountainous terrain. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, while emergency desks have been established at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations to assist worried relatives. Balochistan has seen increased violence recently, raising concerns over regional stability.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe FBI's Denver Field Office has issued a warning about an alarming increase in cybercrimes linked to free online file converters. Cybercriminals are using these seemingly legitimate tools to install malware on users' computers, leading to potential data theft and ransomware attacks. A recent case in Colorado exemplifies this threat, as victims seeking free document conversion services unknowingly expose themselves to hidden malware that compromises personal information. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek emphasized the importance of public education to prevent such scams. The FBI advises users to be cautious, keep antivirus software updated, and scan files before opening them. If affected, individuals should contact their financial institutions, change passwords, report the incident at IC3.gov, and consider professional malware removal services. The agency continues to work on holding scammers accountable and providing resources for victims.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inAn Indian-origin man, Ranjeet Prasad, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in 2007. Found guilty of three counts of carnal intercourse against the order of nature, Prasad exhibited a lack of remorse during the trial, according to the prosecution. District Judge John Ng highlighted the abuse of authority, as Prasad had previously worked with young people at the People's Association, a state-run social services institution. The victim, who was initially excited about potential modeling opportunities, described feeling manipulated and confused during the encounters, which included sexual acts in a public toilet and a hotel room. Following the abuse, the victim struggled with his sexual orientation and ultimately reported the incidents in 2020. Prasad is appealing the conviction, while the People's Association stated it maintains strict standards of conduct and took immediate action upon learning of his arrest.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inA US Agency for International Development (USAID) official has reportedly instructed employees to shred a significant number of records, prompting government employee unions to seek a court order to halt the action. In a motion filed in Washington, DC, the unions referenced an email from acting executive secretary Erica Carr, which directed staff to clear classified safes and shred documents, raising concerns about potential violations of federal record-keeping laws. They argue that the destruction could hinder their case against the dismantling of USAID under former President Donald Trump, who is accused of overstepping his authority by firing employees and canceling agreements. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly dismissed the shredding reports as "fake news," asserting that the documents in question were outdated and that originals still exist digitally. A federal judge has ordered both parties to submit a status report regarding the lawsuit, as the legal battle continues over the agency's future.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inAs Donald Trump was inaugurated on January 20, 2024, he stood alongside some of the world's wealthiest individuals, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who were riding high on stock market gains. However, just seven weeks into his second term, these billionaires have collectively lost $209 billion in wealth, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The S&P 500 Index has dropped 6.4% since Trump took office, affected by mass layoffs and uncertainty around tariffs. Musk's net worth has plummeted by $148 billion, largely due to declining Tesla sales in Europe and China. Bezos, down $29 billion, has seen Amazon shares fall 14% since inauguration. Other notable losses include Sergey Brin ($22 billion), Zuckerberg ($5 billion), and Bernard Arnault ($5 billion), as their companies face market turbulence and regulatory pressures. The initial optimism surrounding Trump's policies has quickly dissipated, leading to significant financial setbacks for these tech titans.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inFrench President Emmanuel Macron convened military leaders from over 30 nations in Paris on Tuesday to devise a strategy for "credible security guarantees" for Ukraine amid ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. This meeting follows Ukraine's endorsement of a US-proposed month-long ceasefire and talks in Saudi Arabia, as Macron aims to galvanize European support in light of shifting US policies under former President Trump, who has expressed criticism of Ukraine's leadership. The discussions emphasized the need for long-term security guarantees linked to NATO capabilities, with Macron stressing the urgency for Europe to bolster its defense efforts. Upcoming talks will focus on the rearmament of Europe and military aid to Ukraine, with Macron indicating that any European troop deployment would occur only after a peace agreement is reached. Meanwhile, the EU plans to mobilize approximately 800 billion euros for defense initiatives, reflecting a significant commitment to enhancing military support for Ukraine.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 6 ameznews.inNorth Korea has warned that a recent accidental bombing by South Korean fighter jets could escalate tensions on the Korean peninsula, potentially igniting a new armed conflict. The incident occurred when two South Korean jets mistakenly dropped eight air-to-surface bombs on a civilian village near the military border, injuring 29 people. North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, emphasized the precariousness of the situation, suggesting that had the bombs landed further north, the consequences could have been dire. The warning comes amid ongoing joint military exercises by the U.S. and South Korea, which North Korea routinely criticizes as rehearsals for war. Following the bombing, live-fire exercises were suspended, but KCNA condemned the drills as dangerous provocations that could lead to a nuclear crisis. The North has threatened "merciless action" in response to perceived military threats from its adversaries.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 5 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday that he might reconsider plans to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50 percent, following Ontario's suspension of an electricity surcharge impacting US states. Trump's initial tariff hike was a response to Ontario's surcharge, which he deemed a bargaining tactic. With a looming deadline for increased global tariffs, the US dollar fell sharply, and markets experienced volatility. Canadian Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney promised a strong response, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned Trump’s actions as an unprovoked attack. Trump also hinted at potential car tariffs that could severely impact Canadian manufacturing. While some US manufacturers see opportunities in the tariffs, experts warn of rising costs that could ripple through the economy, making goods like homes less affordable. As discussions continue over the US-Canada trade relationship, the situation remains tense.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe United States has agreed to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following talks in Jeddah, where Kyiv accepted a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in its ongoing conflict with Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the proposal would be presented to Moscow, emphasizing the urgency for a response to facilitate further negotiations. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to discussions, he remains opposed to a ceasefire that does not secure Russia's long-term security interests. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the ceasefire as a "positive proposal" aimed at preparing for reliable peace and security. The resumption of U.S. support marks a significant shift from previous tensions between the Biden administration and Ukraine, and discussions are ongoing regarding European security guarantees. Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified its military operations, launching a large drone attack on Moscow, highlighting the ongoing conflict's volatility.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 5 ameznews.inA Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Dhanmondi residence, 'Sudhasadan', along with various properties owned by her family members currently in exile in India. The ruling, issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Ghalib, also includes the confiscation of 124 bank accounts linked to her family, following an application from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The property, named after Hasina's late husband, MA Wazed Miah, affects several family members, including her son Sajib Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a protest with India regarding Hasina's "false and fabricated" statements, urging the Indian government to intervene and prevent her from inciting instability through social media. Hasina fled to India after a student-led movement ousted her in August, leading to the establishment of an interim government.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 5 am
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