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In a case that has ignited debate in Ireland, a woman from County Meath, Catherine Byrne, 56, continued to collect her deceased mother’s pension for three years, claiming it was a way to honor her memory. Authorities discovered the ongoing payments, which had not been reported to the Department of Social Welfare following her mother’s death. During proceedings at the Dundalk Circuit Court, Byrne admitted to withdrawing the funds but argued they were used solely for flowers for her mother’s grave, not for personal gain. Despite her emotional justification, the court deemed her actions serious welfare fraud, sentencing her to 240 hours of community service and requiring her to repay the misappropriated funds in weekly instalments of €12,000. The total amount taken remains undisclosed, but officials are pursuing full recovery, prompting concerns about weaknesses in death registration systems and the oversight of public welfare payments. 
Published: Apr 15 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe White House announced on Tuesday that productive discussions between the US and Russia could pave the way for economic partnerships, contingent on a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that both President Biden and Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff believe Russia is motivated to end the war, but a ceasefire must precede any economic collaboration. This statement follows former President Donald Trump's criticism of the Biden administration, claiming that the war stemmed from a "rigged" 2020 election and asserting that he had effectively prevented such a conflict during his presidency. Trump condemned a recent Russian missile strike on Ukraine, labeling it a "mistake" while acknowledging the need to halt the violence. Meanwhile, Witkoff's recent meeting with President Putin in Saint Petersburg focused on various aspects of the conflict and the potential for future cooperation, including investments in the Arctic.
Published: Apr 16 2025, 4 ameznews.inA magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which occurred at a depth of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles), was centered approximately 43 kilometers southwest of Maitum, a town situated in a mountainous and sparsely populated region. Local authorities reported no immediate damage or casualties, with Gilbert Rolifor from the Maitum fire department stating, "It was strong but didn't last long." The Philippines frequently experiences seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area known for its intense volcanic and earthquake activity. While minor quakes are common, significant tremors can occur unpredictably, with no current technology available to forecast their occurrence.
Published: Apr 16 2025, 5 ameznews.inIn a statement on Tuesday, US envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized that Iran must completely cease its uranium enrichment to secure any nuclear deal, although he previously suggested low-level enrichment might be acceptable. Witkoff stated that any agreement should foster peace and stability in the Middle East, which necessitates the elimination of Iran's nuclear enrichment and weaponization efforts. He noted that Iran should not enrich uranium beyond the 3.67 percent limit established in the 2015 nuclear agreement, which the Trump administration abandoned in 2018. Recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency indicated Iran possesses nearly 275 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, close to weapons-grade levels. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that President Trump had thanked Oman's Sultan for facilitating discussions on a potential deal, reiterating Trump’s threat to strike Iran's nuclear facilities if negotiations fail. Iran maintains its nuclear ambitions are solely for peaceful energy purposes.
Published: Apr 16 2025, 1 ameznews.inDonald Trump has asserted that it is China's responsibility to negotiate on trade, following accusations that Beijing has reneged on a significant deal with Boeing. At a White House briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt relayed Trump's statement that "the ball is in China's court," emphasizing that the U.S. does not need to make concessions. This comes after reports indicated that China has halted aircraft deliveries from Boeing and requested its airlines to pause purchases of U.S. equipment. Trump criticized China for failing to meet commitments from a previous trade agreement, claiming they bought only a fraction of what was promised and showing "zero respect" for the Biden administration. While Trump has imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, he remains open to a deal but insists that China must act first. Boeing shares fell by 1.7 percent amid the escalating tensions, and China's foreign ministry has yet to comment on the situation.
Published: Apr 16 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe armed wing of Hamas announced on Tuesday that it has lost contact with militants holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander in the Gaza Strip, following an Israeli army attack on their location. Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas' military branch, did not disclose Alexander's whereabouts, but warned families of hostages that their loved ones could return in "black coffins." Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier from New Jersey, has been held since October 7, 2023. U.S. officials, including President Trump's special envoy, have prioritized his release, and discussions have previously taken place regarding a potential ceasefire that could facilitate the release of Alexander and other hostages. Meanwhile, Israel's military continues its offensive in Gaza, insisting it will not cease until all remaining hostages are freed and the region is demilitarized. Hamas, however, maintains that hostages will only be released as part of a broader peace deal.
Published: Apr 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a recent address at Charotar University in Gujarat, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized Pakistan for its duplicity regarding the Taliban, stating that the country has become ensnared in its own creation of terrorism. He noted that Pakistan's "double game" faltered following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, leading to the resurgence of the very terrorism it had fostered. Jaishankar highlighted the 2008 Mumbai terror attack as a pivotal moment that irrevocably soured Indo-Pak relations, emphasizing that Indian society's strong response to such aggression was not fully grasped by the government at the time. He remarked on India's significant growth since 2014 under the current administration, contrasting it with Pakistan's stagnation in its "bad habits." Following the extradition of Mumbai attack plotter Tahawwur Rana from the U.S., Jaishankar acknowledged the strengthened counter-terrorism partnership between India and the U.S., marking a critical step towards justice for the victims.
Published: Apr 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe Chinese Embassy in India has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens from January 1 to April 9, 2025, highlighting efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong encouraged more Indians to visit China, promoting its vibrant culture and safety. Recent visa relaxations include direct application submissions without prior appointments, biometric exemptions for short visits, reduced fees, and expedited processing, facilitating easier travel for both business and leisure. In the context of ongoing economic tensions, embassy spokesperson Yu Jing underscored the importance of India-China trade relations, advocating for cooperation against unilateralism and protectionism. Despite existing military tensions along the Line of Actual Control, this surge in visa issuance is seen as a soft power gesture aimed at fostering goodwill and rebuilding trust. The renewed commitment also supports cultural and educational exchanges, particularly benefiting Indian students pursuing studies in China.
Published: Apr 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inColumbia University is engaged in "good faith" negotiations with the Trump administration to restore federal funding, following Harvard's rejection of demands to audit its faculty and student "viewpoint diversity." Columbia's interim president, Claire Shipman, emphasized the institution's commitment to academic freedom and stated that some government demands, including changes to governance, are non-negotiable. The Trump administration has threatened funding cuts to universities over their handling of pro-Palestinian protests, which it claims have spurred antisemitism. Harvard President Alan Garber criticized the administration's demands as unconstitutional and detrimental to academic integrity, while also noting the importance of federal funding for research. The administration has since frozen contracts worth over $2 billion to Harvard. Former President Barack Obama praised Harvard's stance, urging other institutions to follow suit. The situation unfolds amid ongoing legal challenges facing the Trump administration regarding its immigration policies and federal funding practices.
Published: Apr 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inApple's primary suppliers in India, Foxconn and Tata, achieved a record $2 billion in iPhone shipments to the United States in March, as the tech giant sought to circumvent impending tariffs from the Trump administration. With concerns over potential cost increases due to tariffs, Apple ramped up production in India and chartered cargo flights to transport 600 tons of iPhones, including models 13, 14, 15, and 16, to the U.S. Customs data revealed that Foxconn alone exported smartphones worth $1.31 billion in March, doubling its shipments from January and February combined. Tata Electronics also reported a significant increase, exporting $612 million in March. To expedite the process, Apple successfully lobbied for reduced customs clearance times at Chennai airport, cutting it from 30 hours to just six. Although Trump later granted some tariff exemptions, he indicated they might not last long.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 9 pm
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