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Ranjani Srinivasan, a 37-year-old Indian doctoral student in urban planning at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada last week after the US revoked their student visa due to alleged involvement in pro-Palestine protests. The US Department of State cited security concerns, linking Srinivasan to activities "supporting Hamas." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labelled them a "terrorist sympathiser," intensifying fears of political persecution. Srinivasan described their experience as a "dystopian nightmare," expressing concerns over the implications of political speech in the current climate. Following a visit from federal immigration officials, Srinivasan felt the situation had become too dangerous, prompting a hasty departure, leaving behind their cat. With a strong academic background, including degrees from CEPT University and Harvard, Srinivasan's research interests focus on urbanisation and the political economy of development, raising questions about the impact of such policies on academic freedom and expression. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the need to strengthen ties with "reliable" European allies during his inaugural overseas trip to France and the UK, following heightened tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump. Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau last week, described Canada as the "most European of non-European countries" and highlighted the importance of maintaining positive relations with the US while reinforcing connections with Europe. At a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Carney expressed a commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression, aligning Canada's position with NATO allies. Facing threats from a potential trade war and domestic political challenges, Carney noted the significance of diversifying trade relationships, particularly with France and the UK, as Canada navigates its economic future. After Paris, Carney will meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III in London before returning to Canada.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 6 pmeznews.inFormer President Donald Trump has declared that last-minute pardons issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden, including one for Biden's son Hunter, are "null and void." In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump suggested that Biden may not have been aware of the pardons, which were signed using an autopen, a device that allows officials to sign documents automatically. Trump claimed that the pardons were illegitimate and stated that those pardoned could now face investigations, implying potential criminality among those involved in the signing process. While Trump acknowledged that the final decision on the validity of the pardons rests with the courts, he maintained that they were effectively forged documents. Historically, presidential pardons have been an absolute power, and Trump's assertions could challenge long-standing traditions surrounding this authority.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe mutual respect between India and China is underscored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent positive comments on bilateral relations, which have been welcomed by Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted the historical exchanges between the two nations, emphasizing their shared civilizational achievements. In an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, Modi noted that normalcy has returned to the India-China border following discussions with President Xi Jinping aimed at easing tensions from the 2020 clashes in Ladakh. Modi stressed the importance of dialogue over discord to prevent disputes, while Mao reiterated the significance of their recent meeting in Russia for improving ties. Both countries, representing over 2.8 billion people, are encouraged to cooperate for mutual success, with China expressing readiness to advance their relationship as they approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, a partnership deemed essential for global peace and prosperity.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 5 pmeznews.inHikers on Mount Fuji's four main trails will face a new entry fee of 4,000 yen (approximately Rs 2,333) starting this summer, following a bill passed by local authorities. The decision comes amid rising concerns over overcrowding, as Japan experiences a record influx of foreign tourists. Last year, the Yamanashi region implemented a 2,000 yen fee for the popular Yoshida Trail, alongside caps on daily entries and online reservations to mitigate safety and environmental issues. This summer, the fee for the Yoshida Trail will double, while Shizuoka region has also adopted the 4,000 yen charge for its trails, previously free. Despite these measures, climber numbers remain high, with 204,316 recorded last year, down from 221,322 in 2023. Officials stress the need for restrictions to ensure safety on Japan's iconic peak, which, though often covered in snow, attracts thousands of hikers during the summer months.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inPalaeontologists are captivated by the quest to determine the largest dinosaur, a question posed by 14-year-old Zavier from New Zealand. The fascination with record-breaking dinosaurs, such as the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex, is partly fueled by the enduring popularity of the Jurassic Park franchise. To estimate a dinosaur's size, scientists rely on skeletal remains, using mathematical models to compare measurements with those of modern animals. Among the contenders for the title of the largest dinosaur are titanosaurs like Patagotitan, estimated at 31 meters long and weighing up to 57 tonnes, and Argentinosaurus, which could reach lengths of 30-35 meters and weights of 65-80 tonnes, though these figures are debated due to incomplete fossil records. In the realm of carnivorous dinosaurs, Spinosaurus is currently considered the largest, measuring about 14 meters and weighing 7.4 tonnes. The search for new discoveries continues, potentially reshaping our understanding of these prehistoric giants.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia has called on the United States to take action against the banned Khalistani terror group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which operates from within the US and is led by lawyer Gurpatwant Pannun, who faces 104 legal cases, including eight filed by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). The SFJ has been implicated in threats against high-profile Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. This appeal was made during a meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, who is visiting India as part of a broader Indo-Pacific tour. Their discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation and intelligence sharing. Gabbard, who has already met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, is also scheduled to address the Raisina Dialogue, a prominent forum on global geopolitics hosted by India since 2016.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking study led by virologist Thomas Geisbert at The University of Texas Medical Branch has revealed that an oral antiviral pill, Obeldesivir, can effectively cure monkeys infected with the Ebola virus, potentially transforming the global response to this deadly disease. Published in _Science Advances_, the research involved infecting rhesus and cynomolgus macaques with a lethal dose of the Makona variant of Ebola. While control monkeys received no treatment and died, 80% of cynomolgus and 100% of rhesus macaques treated with Obeldesivir survived. Geisbert noted the pill's broad-spectrum efficacy, which is a significant advantage over existing antibody treatments limited to the Zaire strain. This study holds promise for regions in sub-Saharan Africa, where existing treatments are often impractical due to storage requirements. Following these promising results, Gilead has moved Obeldesivir into Phase 2 clinical trials for the Marburg virus, a close relative of Ebola.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe United States has expressed significant concern over the persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh, as highlighted by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in an exclusive interview with NDTV World. Gabbard emphasized that the Trump administration is dedicated to combating "Islamist terrorism" globally, citing the ongoing abuse faced by Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others as a pressing issue. She noted that discussions have commenced between Trump's new cabinet and Bangladesh's interim government, focusing on the rise of Islamic extremism. Gabbard warned of the global threat posed by extremist groups aiming to establish an "Islamic Caliphate," which jeopardizes individuals of all faiths. She reiterated President Trump's commitment to identifying and defeating the ideology underpinning such terrorism, aiming to curb its violent manifestations and protect vulnerable communities.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBetween 2020 and 2025, Baloch separatist insurgents, notably the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), executed 14 attacks on Chinese nationals, resulting in 20 deaths and 34 injuries, alongside over 400 Pakistani security personnel casualties. Despite this violence, the Baloch separatist movement has not posed an existential threat to Pakistan, maintaining unity and focus among its factions. Prominent activists like the late Karima Baloch, who advocated for Baloch rights from exile, and Mahrang Baloch, a human rights advocate protesting against enforced disappearances, highlight the movement's non-militant efforts. The BLA's recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express signals an attempt to regain momentum amid rising competition from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, Pakistan's historical reliance on military force to quell dissent risks exacerbating the situation, demanding a strategic shift towards political engagement to address the underlying grievances fueling separatism.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 12 pmeznews.inJordan Belfort, the notorious stockbroker dubbed 'The Wolf of Wall Street', has publicly endorsed President Donald Trump's recent tariff increases, dismissing critics' concerns as "complete and utter nonsense." Speaking on Fox & Friends, Belfort argued that the tariffs are essential for revitalizing American manufacturing and addressing trade imbalances, despite the S&P 500's dip into correction territory amid fears of a trade war. Trump, defending his policies, asserted, "I'm not going to bend at all," emphasizing the need to reclaim American wealth. Economists warn that such tariffs could elevate consumer costs and strain international trade relations, but Belfort contended that criticism of Trump is inevitable, regardless of the actions taken. In a lighter moment, he praised Tesla CEO Elon Musk as a "hero" and announced plans to buy a Tesla, coinciding with Trump's recent promotion of the automaker at the White House. Belfort, a convicted fraudster, remains a controversial figure in financial circles.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 1 pm
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