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India has been recognized once again on the United Nations (UN) 'Honour Roll' for its timely payment of regular budget assessments, fulfilling its financial obligations within the stipulated 30-day period. The Permanent Mission of India in New York announced this achievement on Tuesday, highlighting India's consistent presence on the Honour Roll, which includes select Member States that meet their financial commitments promptly. The UN's Regular Budget is approved annually by the General Assembly in December, with payment notes issued in January. India's swift contributions reflect its steadfast support for the UN Charter's principles and its commitment to maintaining the organization's financial stability and operational effectiveness. This recognition underscores India's role as a responsible member of the UN, reinforcing its dedication to global cooperation and governance.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inElon Musk’s recent takeover of the US Treasury's payments system is raising concerns as it mirrors his drastic cost-cutting measures at Twitter. Leading President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk aims to streamline federal expenditures, reminiscent of his approach at Twitter, where over 80% of staff were laid off in a bid to reduce costs. Experts warn that Musk's aggressive tactics, which involve zeroing out budgets and requiring justifications for expenditures, could destabilize critical government operations, including Social Security and Medicare, which manage $6 trillion annually. While Musk advocates for a reliance on engineers as decision-makers, this could lead to burnout among staff accustomed to his intense work style. Critics highlight the risks of applying corporate strategies to government functions, emphasizing that cutting essential services is not as easily reversible as managing a private company, potentially jeopardizing vital support for millions of Americans.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 2 pmeznews.inHonda shares rose over four percent on Wednesday following reports that the automaker proposed making its rival Nissan a subsidiary, potentially halting their merger discussions aimed at creating the world's third-largest automaker. The two companies initiated talks in December to bolster their positions against competitors like Tesla and Chinese EV firms, but Nissan's recent job cuts and a staggering 93 percent drop in first-half net profit raised concerns about its autonomy in a subsidiary role. While Nissan's shares also surged initially, they stabilized at a 3.3 percent increase. Both companies are set to hold board meetings to discuss the future of the merger talks, with Nissan indicating that final decisions will be made by mid-February. The ongoing challenges in the automotive market, particularly from foreign brands in China, complicate the landscape for both Honda and Nissan, Japan's second and third largest automakers after Toyota.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 2 pmeznews.inDeepSeek, a small Chinese AI company, has recently gained global prominence following the launch of its advanced AI model, R1, on January 20, which utilizes a step-by-step reasoning approach. R1, which rivals OpenAI's leading model, o1, has quickly surpassed ChatGPT in downloads, prompting OpenAI to accuse DeepSeek of inappropriately using its data to develop the new model. Despite DeepSeek's claims of requiring significantly fewer resources for R1's development, skepticism remains regarding its marketing assertions. The controversy highlights a broader legal landscape, as OpenAI faces lawsuits for copyright infringement while also alleging that DeepSeek has copied its technology. This situation reflects the rapid evolution of AI and the pressing need for clearer regulations in the industry, as competition intensifies and consumer choice increases. The outcome of ongoing legal disputes will likely shape the future of AI development and data usage practices.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 2 pmeznews.inEl Salvador has proposed to house American convicts and illegal migrants deported from the U.S. in its maximum security prison, CECOT, as part of a controversial offer made by President Nayib Bukele. Following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Bukele stated that his country could "outsource part of its prison system" to the U.S., despite potential legal challenges under American law. President Trump expressed support for the idea, acknowledging the legal complexities but suggesting it could reduce costs for the U.S. while aiding El Salvador's prison funding. CECOT, which opened in 2023, has been criticized for its harsh conditions, housing inmates in overcrowded, windowless cells without visitation rights. Human rights groups have condemned El Salvador's prison system, which has seen a significant increase in incarceration rates amid Bukele's crackdown on gang violence, raising concerns about the treatment of prisoners.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 2 pmeznews.inPresident Donald Trump's proposal for the U.S. to assume control of the Gaza Strip and spearhead its economic development has raised significant concerns amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With Gaza's pre-war population of around 2.3 million, many Palestinians fear being forcibly displaced, reminiscent of the "Nakba" in 1948 when hundreds of thousands were uprooted. The current conflict, which has resulted in over 47,000 deaths in Gaza since October 2023, has already displaced up to 85% of the enclave's population. Arab nations, particularly Egypt and Jordan, oppose any mass exodus of Palestinians, fearing it would undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have stated there are no plans to deport Gazans, although some have suggested policies that could encourage their migration. As the fragile ceasefire holds, the region remains tense, with calls for a two-state solution gaining urgency amidst the turmoil.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA Georgia man has received a staggering 475-year prison sentence for his role in an illegal dog fighting operation involving over 100 pit bulls. Vincent Lemark Burrell, 57, was convicted on 93 felony counts of dog fighting and 10 misdemeanour counts of animal cruelty in Paulding County, located about 35 miles northwest of Atlanta. Each dog fighting charge contributed five years to his sentence, while each animal cruelty charge added one year, culminating in what is believed to be the longest prison term ever imposed for dog fighting. Lead prosecutor KC Pagnotta emphasized the case as a strong message against the inhumane treatment of animals. Burrell's attorney, David Heath, has filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that the verdict lacks sufficient evidence and contradicts the evidence presented.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe US Treasury confirmed on Tuesday that Elon Musk's government reform team has been granted "read-only" access to its sensitive payment system, which processes trillions of dollars in transactions, including Social Security and Medicare payments. This decision has sparked concern among Democratic lawmakers, prompting Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden to call for an investigation into Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's approval of this access. Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump's cost-cutting initiatives, has faced significant opposition regarding the implications of his access to government data. Critics, including labor unions and advocacy groups, have filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of Musk's access to taxpayer information. Musk defended the move on social media, arguing that monitoring payment flows is essential to combat fraud and waste. The controversy intensified after a career official who opposed the access was placed on administrative leave.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 1 pmeznews.inBillionaire Bill Gates has opened up about his relationship with Paula Hurd, referring to her as his "serious girlfriend" and noting that they are "having fun" together. In a recent interview on TODAY, the 69-year-old Microsoft co-founder shared insights into his personal life following his 2021 divorce from Melinda French Gates. Gates and Hurd, who is the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, have been seen together at various public events since 2022, including the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Hurd, recognized for her philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare, was also acknowledged in Gates' newly released memoir, *Source Code*, where he credits her as an early reader. Reflecting on the memoir, Gates remarked on the significance of revisiting his past as he approaches his 70th birthday and Microsoft’s 50th anniversary, attributing his success to his fortunate upbringing.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 1 pmeznews.inBill Gates has reflected on his divorce from Melinda French Gates, describing it as "the mistake he regrets most," though he acknowledged that he always knew the marriage "wouldn't last forever." The couple, who announced their split in May 2021 after 27 years of marriage, finalized their divorce three months later. In a recent NBC interview promoting his new book "Source Code," Gates expressed that despite the painful experience, he cherishes their three children and the philanthropic work they accomplished together. He stated, "I have moved past the divorce," and shared that he is now "lucky to have a serious girlfriend," philanthropist Paula Hurd, with whom he enjoys spending time. Gates admitted that the divorce was a difficult period for both him and Melinda, but emphasized their ongoing relationship as co-parents to their children and grandchildren.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA US military plane carrying 205 Indian nationals deported under President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has landed in Amritsar, marking a significant development in the ongoing efforts to repatriate illegal immigrants. The C-17 aircraft departed from Texas and is reportedly the first of several flights aimed at returning undocumented Indian migrants from the US. Sources indicate that each deportee's status was verified, highlighting India's involvement in the process. This deportation coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the US, his first since Trump assumed office for a second term. Trump has stated that Modi assured him India would "do what's right" regarding the return of illegal immigrants, as both nations have identified approximately 18,000 undocumented Indians in the US. India's Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its commitment to facilitating the return of nationals overstaying abroad, emphasizing the link between illegal immigration and organized crime.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 1 pm
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