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Harvard's Bold Response to Trump's Federal Grant Ban

Harvard University has publicly opposed what it describes as "illegal government overreach" by the Trump administration, which has halted federal research grants amidst rising tensions over pro-Palestine protests on campus. Education Secretary Linda McMahon informed Harvard's president that the university should no longer seek federal funding, citing alleged failures in legal obligations and transparency. In response, Harvard criticized the administration's actions as an attempt to impose "unprecedented and improper control" over its operations, emphasizing its commitment to compliance with the law, promoting viewpoint diversity, and combating anti-Semitism. This confrontation escalated following Harvard's lawsuit against the federal freeze on over $2.2 billion in grants, with a total of $9 billion under review. The university's stance reflects broader conflicts with the administration regarding campus activism and diversity initiatives, raising concerns about the potential impact on its funding and academic freedom. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 8 am

Friedrich Merz: Key Facts About Germany's New Chancellor

Friedrich Merz, Germany's designated next chancellor, is set to implement a conservative agenda focused on revitalizing the economy, enhancing military capabilities, and tightening immigration policies. A former lawyer and business executive with ties to BlackRock, the 69-year-old Merz aims to restore traditional conservative values following two decades of centrist leadership under Angela Merkel and the Social Democrats. He faces challenges, including addressing the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and navigating shifting US-German relations under President Trump. Merz has promised a "zero tolerance" approach to law enforcement and is considering a revival of nuclear energy, while also advocating for continued support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression. His political comeback follows a hiatus in business, and he is determined to act swiftly after a prolonged period of political stagnation in Berlin. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 12 pm

US House Speaker Supports India on Pahalgam Issue

US House Speaker Mike Johnson has reaffirmed America's commitment to supporting India in its long-standing battle against terrorism, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship during a Congressional briefing. Johnson expressed sympathy for India's struggles with cross-border terrorism and emphasized the need for cooperation, particularly in trade negotiations. His remarks come in the wake of a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities. Following this incident, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reached out to Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reiterating US support against terrorism and encouraging dialogue with Pakistan to ease regional tensions. President Donald Trump previously conveyed his condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemning the attack and pledging full support to bring the perpetrators to justice. The US administration continues to recognize the critical nature of its partnership with India in addressing security challenges. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 12 pm

Friedrich Merz Poised to Become Germany's Chancellor, Ending Stalemate

Friedrich Merz is poised to be sworn in as Germany's new chancellor on Tuesday, inheriting a nation grappling with its longest post-war economic downturn, deteriorating relations with the U.S., and a rising far-right. Following his CDU/CSU party's victory in February's federal election, Merz has formed a coalition with the Social Democrats, aiming to restore stability after the collapse of Olaf Scholz's government. Analysts emphasize the urgency for Merz to demonstrate decisive leadership, particularly as economic challenges mount amid a global trade war and the fallout from the Ukraine conflict. While Merz, a seasoned politician with no prior government experience, is known for his economic liberalism, his controversial collaboration with the far-right Alternative for Germany has raised concerns. His cabinet, largely composed of new faces with private sector backgrounds, reflects a commitment to expertise and renewal in a bid to regain public trust and counter the AfD's rising influence. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 1 pm

Woman Deported, Leaves Infant Daughter and Husband Behind

A Cuban woman, Heidy Sanchez, has been deported from Florida back to Cuba, leaving behind her 17-month-old daughter and American husband, Carlos Valle. In late April, Sanchez attended what she believed was a routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), only to be taken into custody and deported without the option to hand her daughter over to Valle. U.S. Representative Kathy Castor condemned the incident, accusing the Trump administration of using political tactics to tear families apart and pledging to take action to reunite them. Sanchez entered the U.S. in 2019, fleeing threats from Mexican cartels, and was allowed to stay after claiming her life was in danger. Her attorney attempted to halt the deportation but reported receiving inadequate responses from authorities. Meanwhile, Valle shared that their daughter is distressed and struggling without her mother, who has limited communication access in Cuba. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 10 am

OpenAI Remains Nonprofit-Governed, Says Sam Altman

OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, has announced that it will maintain oversight by its nonprofit organization while transitioning its for-profit LLC into a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). This shift aims to enhance resources for the nonprofit, which will continue to control and hold a significant stake in the PBC. OpenAI emphasized that both entities will uphold their original mission, focusing on ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits a broad swath of society. In a statement, Bret Taylor, chair of the OpenAI Board, noted that the decision followed consultations with civic leaders and officials from Delaware and California. Altman expressed enthusiasm about the potential for the nonprofit to grow its impact in fields such as health, education, and public services, positioning it as a leading force in leveraging AI for societal good. He reiterated the commitment to advancing artificial general intelligence (AGI) as a cornerstone of human progress. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 11 am

Moscow Airports Closed Due to Ongoing Ukraine Drone Attacks

Ukraine launched a drone attack on Moscow overnight, marking the second consecutive night of such assaults, which led to the temporary closure of all airports in the Russian capital for several hours. Moscow's Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, reported that at least 19 Ukrainian drones were intercepted, causing no significant damage or injuries. However, a drone reportedly struck an apartment building, shattering windows without causing casualties. Russia's aviation authority confirmed the airport closures for safety reasons, while regional airports were also affected. Despite Ukraine's silence on the incident, reports indicate ongoing Russian drone strikes in Ukraine, resulting in casualties. This escalation coincides with the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to declare a three-day ceasefire. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed the ceasefire as ineffective, advocating instead for a longer truce. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 11 am

Indian Children Missing After Boat Sinks Off US Coast

A small boat capsized off the coast of San Diego, California, on Monday morning, resulting in three fatalities, four injuries, and seven individuals reported missing. Among the missing are four Indians, including two children, while their parents are being treated at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has expressed condolences and is providing assistance to the affected family. The boat, described as a panga typically used by smugglers, was carrying over a dozen people when it overturned around 6:30 am. Hikers witnessed the incident and alerted authorities, prompting a search operation involving the US Coast Guard and local agencies. The search continues for the missing individuals, as investigators work to determine the boat's origin and circumstances surrounding the tragedy. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 11 am

Israeli Soldiers Detonate Gaza Building in Viral Video

A controversial video circulating on social media allegedly shows Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers detonating a residential building in Gaza during what they mockingly termed a 'gender reveal party,' with onlookers cheering "It's a boy!" as blue smoke billows from the ruins. The footage, reportedly shared by the soldiers themselves, has sparked outrage online, with critics labeling the act as "despicable" and "inhumane." Despite the video's virality, Israel has yet to comment on the incident. This disturbing development comes amid escalating military operations in Gaza, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for an intensified offensive against Hamas, aiming to capture the entire Gaza Strip and maintain a prolonged military presence. The operation, set to commence after U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East visit, has raised concerns about further humanitarian crises and international backlash. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 11 am

Lavish Life of Convicted Indian-Origin Billionaire: Rolls Royce, Mansion

Dubai-based Indian businessman Balvinder Singh Sahni, known as "Abu Sabah," has been sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering linked to a criminal organization. A Dubai court also ordered the confiscation of 150 million Dirhams (approximately $40.8 million) and imposed a fine of 500,000 Dirhams (around $136,000). Following his prison term, Sahni will face deportation. The founder of the RSG Group, which operates in real estate and various industries across the Middle East, US, and India, Sahni gained notoriety for extravagant purchases, including the "D5" license plate for 33 million Dirhams. His opulent lifestyle, showcased in media, includes a luxury mansion and a collection of high-end cars. Despite his legal troubles, Sahni is also known for his philanthropic efforts in Punjab, including building hospitals and old-age homes, and he received the "Businessman of the Year" award at the Sikh Awards in Dubai in 2020. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 9 am

UN Security Council Questions Pakistan on Missile Tests

Pakistan faced intense scrutiny from United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members during closed-door consultations regarding escalating tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator dead. Sources report that UNSC members questioned Islamabad about the involvement of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba in the attack, expressing alarm over Pakistan's recent missile tests and its nuclear rhetoric, which they deemed provocative. As one of the 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC, Pakistan had sought these consultations amid rising tensions. During discussions, members condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for accountability and noting that the victims were targeted based on their religion. Additionally, they dismissed Pakistan's "false flag" narrative, reinforcing their stance on the matter. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 10 am

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