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India Supports UK's Transfer of Chagos Islands to Mauritius

India has expressed its approval of the UK's decision to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including the strategically significant Diego Garcia, to Mauritius, following a historic agreement after more than 50 years of British control. The UK will retain full responsibility for the security of Diego Garcia under the terms of the deal. India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted its long-standing support for Mauritius's claims, emphasizing principles of decolonization and respect for national sovereignty. The ministry described the treaty as a significant step towards resolving the Chagos dispute and a positive development for regional stability. This agreement follows a prior understanding reached in October 2024 and is seen as a culmination of Mauritius's decolonization process, aligning with international law. India reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with Mauritius and other nations to enhance maritime security and promote peace in the Indian Ocean region. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 12 am

4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Nepal

An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale struck Nepal early Friday morning, according to the National Center of Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred at 01:33 IST at a depth of 10 kilometers, with coordinates 29.36 N latitude and 80.44 E longitude. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. Shallow earthquakes like this one can be particularly hazardous due to their proximity to the Earth's surface, leading to stronger ground shaking. Nepal's vulnerability to seismic activity stems from its location at the convergent boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, where immense geological pressure builds up. This incident follows a recent commemoration of the 8,969 lives lost in the catastrophic 2015 earthquake, underscoring the region's ongoing struggle with earthquakes. Further details on the recent quake are awaited. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 4 am

US Suspect in Israel Embassy Killing Charged with Murder

Elias Rodriguez, 30, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Rodriguez allegedly shouted "Free Palestine" and claimed he acted for Gaza during his arrest after the attack on Wednesday night. Prosecutors are treating the incident as an act of terrorism and a hate crime, with the potential for additional charges as the investigation unfolds. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were identified as a couple engaged to be married. The shooting has sparked international outrage, with Israeli officials linking it to rising anti-Semitism amid global tensions over Israel's military actions in Gaza. Leaders from various countries condemned the attack, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused European nations of inciting violence against Israel. Mourners gathered at the museum to pay their respects, highlighting the pervasive nature of anti-Semitism. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 4 am

WHO Chief Urges Israel for Mercy in Gaza Crisis

In a poignant address during the World Health Organization's annual assembly, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged Israel to show "mercy" amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, emphasizing that peace is crucial for Israel's own interests. Reflecting on the profound suffering in Gaza, he highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, exacerbated by a total blockade imposed by Israel since March 2, which has left the region grappling with acute shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The WHO reported that only 19 of Gaza's 36 hospitals remain operational, with 94% damaged or destroyed, as fighting continues to hinder medical services. WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan warned that 2.1 million people in Gaza are in imminent danger of death, calling for an end to starvation and the release of hostages. Tedros insisted that only a political solution could pave the way for lasting peace, urging compassion for both Israelis and Palestinians. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 5 am

Indian Techie Vaniya Agrawal Disrupts Microsoft Event Over Gaza

Pro-Palestine protests have disrupted Microsoft's Build 2025 conference in Seattle, led by former engineer Vaniya Agrawal, who has been vocal against the company's ties with Israel. Agrawal, who was dismissed after a prior protest during Microsoft's 50th anniversary, interrupted key sessions, including one on AI security, to voice concerns about a reported $133 million deal between Microsoft and Israel's Ministry of Defence. She claims that Microsoft's AI and cloud services contribute to military operations against Palestinians, stating in a company email that they enable increased lethality in Gaza. The protests, which began on May 19, reflect growing internal dissent within the tech sector regarding social responsibility and human rights, as employees demand accountability for Microsoft's involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Microsoft has yet to publicly address the protests or the dismissals of Agrawal and others involved. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 2 am

Senate Rejects California's Electric Car Mandate

In a significant setback for California's climate initiatives, US senators on Thursday blocked the state's ambitious plan to phase out gas-powered cars, undermining efforts to transition to electric vehicles. The Republican-led Senate revoked a waiver granted during the Biden administration that allowed California to impose stricter pollution standards than federal regulations. Governor Gavin Newsom warned that this decision could jeopardize American automotive leadership and worsen air quality, particularly in smog-prone areas like Los Angeles. While Republicans argue that the mandate is costly and restricts consumer choice, Democrats contend that the Senate's actions are illegal, citing guidance from nonpartisan watchdogs. This legislative move is expected to face legal challenges, setting the stage for a contentious battle between California's progressive agenda and federal opposition. Despite the push for electric vehicles, recent reports indicate a slowdown in automaker investments amid declining demand growth. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 12 am

Trump Administration Prohibits Harvard from Enrolling Foreign Students

The Trump Administration has suspended Harvard University's ability to enroll international students amid an ongoing investigation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Secretary Kristi Noem stated in a letter to Harvard that the university must provide requested information within 72 hours to regain its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. Noem accused Harvard of fostering violence and antisemitism while allegedly coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, asserting that enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right. This decision could force existing international students to transfer or risk losing their legal status. Harvard has condemned the action as retaliatory and unlawful, emphasizing the value of its diverse international community. President Trump previously criticized Harvard, calling it a "joke" and threatening to revoke its government research contracts unless it complied with his demands. Currently, 788 Indian students are enrolled at the university. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 12 am

Trump Administration Unveils 'Make America Healthy Again' Report

The Trump administration is poised to unveil a report on Thursday detailing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, which will likely address concerns surrounding processed foods, environmental toxins, and vaccines. Kennedy has been vocal about rising chronic illness rates, particularly among children, despite criticism for downplaying infectious diseases. He has directed the National Institutes of Health to explore autism's causes, previously linking it to the MMR vaccine, and has called for the food industry to eliminate synthetic colorings, though this change has faced criticism for being voluntary. The report is expected to highlight the dangers of ultra-processed foods amid increasing childhood obesity rates, even as funding for dietary research has been cut. Tensions are mounting within the Republican Party over agricultural pesticides, particularly glyphosate, with some lawmakers expressing concern that the report may unfairly target American farming practices. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 10 pm

No Indian Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Bangladesh Official Says

Bangladesh Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Ashik Chowdhury has clarified that there is currently no Indian Economic Zone in the Mirsarai Economic Zone, asserting that the concept exists only "on paper." This statement comes amid escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh, particularly following Dhaka's outreach to China over Northeast India. Chowdhury noted that while the original plan for Mirsarai included an Indian Economic Zone, no substantial progress has been made, with the designated area largely forested and inactive. Relations have soured further after Bangladesh's interim government faced criticism for failing to protect minorities, leading to India imposing trade restrictions. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to comments on territorial access, warning against any perceived threats to India's strategic corridors. Meanwhile, India is advancing infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity for its Northeast region, emphasizing its regional significance. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 10 pm

Canada Cuts Student Permits by 31%, Hindering Indian Students

Canada has experienced a significant 31% decline in study permits issued to Indian students in the first quarter of 2025, totaling 30,640, compared to 44,295 in the same period last year. This drop is part of a broader trend following government policy changes aimed at reducing the influx of temporary residents to 5% of the population by 2028. New regulations include an increased proof of funds requirement, now set at CA$ 20,635, and a cap of 437,000 study permits for 2025, down from 485,000 in 2024. Additionally, designated learning institutions must verify acceptance letters through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These measures come in response to record immigration levels that have contributed to housing unaffordability and infrastructure strain. Prospective students are urged to familiarize themselves with the updated application requirements, including a CA$ 150 study permit fee and potential biometric costs. sources

Published:
May 22 2025, 11 pm

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