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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.inThe World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that 80 percent of its supported health services in Afghanistan may shut down by June due to a significant funding shortfall, exacerbated by cuts in US aid and a shift in development priorities. WHO stated that without urgent intervention, over 220 facilities could close by mid-2025, leaving an additional 1.8 million Afghans without access to primary healthcare. Already, 167 operations have ceased, with WHO's Afghanistan chief highlighting the dire humanitarian emergency that threatens years of health system progress. The country is grappling with multiple health crises, including outbreaks of malaria and dengue, and ongoing polio vaccination efforts. Save the Children reported that 18 of its health facilities have closed, affecting over 134,000 children. Afghanistan also faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with malnutrition impacting 10 percent of children under five, amid ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi met with Tulsi Gabbard, the United States' Director of National Intelligence, in New Delhi on Monday evening, following her discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about addressing the Khalistani terror group Sikhs For Justice. During their meeting, Modi gifted Gabbard a vase containing Ganga water from Prayagraj, which recently hosted the Maha Kumbh. This marks Gabbard's second meeting with Modi in two months, having previously met in February during his visit to Washington, D.C. Their discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in combating terrorism and cybersecurity, aimed at strengthening the India-US partnership. Prior to meeting Modi, Gabbard spoke with Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, where the Khalistani issue was a key topic. Gabbard is in India as part of a multi-nation visit to the Indo-Pacific, which includes stops in Japan and Thailand, focusing on fostering relationships and communication. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inMore than 30 countries are anticipated to join a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine, as discussions around a potential peace deal with Russia gain traction, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed on Monday. The spokesperson emphasized that a "significant number" of nations are prepared to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, highlighting the coalition's diverse contributions, which will vary in capability. This initiative aims to bolster Ukraine's security in the wake of ongoing conflict, reflecting a united international effort to stabilize the region. The coalition's formation underscores the global commitment to supporting Ukraine as it navigates its path towards peace and recovery. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inCanada's newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney has extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the upcoming G7 summit in June, set to take place in Alberta. This communication occurred over the weekend, shortly after Carney assumed office last week. A government official confirmed the invitation, highlighting Canada's ongoing support for Ukraine amid its ongoing challenges. The G7 summit is expected to address various global issues, and Zelensky's participation could further emphasize the international community's commitment to Ukraine. The invitation marks a significant diplomatic gesture as Canada continues to strengthen ties with Ukraine during this critical period. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.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 pm
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