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Germany's recent elections have highlighted a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with Friedrich Merz's conservatives emerging victorious, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) capturing 20.8% of the vote, doubling its support in four years. This marks a troubling normalization of the AfD, which has been classified as a right-wing extremist party by domestic intelligence. Despite a historical consensus among mainstream parties to exclude extremist groups from power, there are growing concerns about the longevity of this "firewall." Economic challenges, rising unemployment, and dissatisfaction with traditional parties have fueled the AfD's rise, as they exploit anxieties over immigration and national identity. With the US's waning influence in Europe, Germany faces pressure to lead while addressing internal divisions. Merz has acknowledged the need to resolve underlying issues to diminish the AfD's appeal, but the party's leader, Alice Weidel, is already positioning for future elections, signaling ongoing instability in German politics. 
Published: Feb 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss a minerals deal aimed at supporting ongoing peace negotiations in Ukraine's protracted conflict with Russia. The meeting followed Trump's controversial remarks labeling Zelensky a "dictator," which he retracted just before their discussions. During the talks, Zelensky emphasized that any peace agreement must not compromise Ukraine's sovereignty, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "killer." Trump, however, insisted that Ukraine would need to make concessions for a truce. The proposed minerals deal would grant the US access to Ukraine's rare-earth resources, seen as vital for Ukraine's recovery post-conflict. The discussions also underscored the US's significant role in European security, with Trump warning of potential withdrawal of support if allies do not increase their contributions. European leaders have backed the minerals deal as a means to secure ongoing US investment in Ukraine.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday, where he indicated that a truce with Russia is "fairly close." During their discussions, Trump described a new agreement that would permit US access to Ukraine's natural resources, including rare-earth and critical minerals, as "very fair." This deal is part of a broader strategy aimed at assisting Ukraine's recovery following the conflict with Russia. The meeting underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations as they navigate the complexities of the war and seek to bolster Ukraine's economic stability through resource exploitation.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 10 pmeznews.inCitigroup inadvertently credited an account with $81 trillion instead of the intended $280, a significant error that was identified 90 minutes after the transaction. The incident, described as a "near miss" in banking terminology, went unnoticed by two employees before being caught by a third. Although the payment was initially posted to an unspecified client, it was reversed several hours later, ensuring no funds left the bank. Citigroup, which holds $1.7 trillion in assets, stated there was "no impact to the bank or our client." The error was attributed to a manual entry issue within a system that had been pre-populated with excessive zeros. This incident follows previous penalties from regulators, including a $136 million fine in July 2024 for failing to enhance its systems and a $400 million fine in October 2020 for deficiencies in risk management and internal controls.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIndia's first three clinics dedicated to the transgender community have ceased operations following a stop-work order from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which had been funding them. This closure affects nearly 5,000 individuals who relied on these clinics for essential services, including hormone therapy, mental health counselling, and legal aid. The funding freeze stems from a 90-day pause on foreign aid ordered by US President Donald Trump, who has criticized USAID's spending, particularly a $21 million allocation for voter turnout in India. Although the clinics, located in Hyderabad, Kalyan, and Pune, required approximately Rs 30 lakh ($34,338) annually to operate, they have received a waiver from USAID to continue providing life-saving services, such as antiretroviral medication for HIV patients. Organizers are now seeking alternative funding sources to sustain their vital work.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 9 pmeznews.inMicrosoft has announced that it will retire Skype this May, marking the end of the two-decade-old internet calling service that transformed global communication. The decision aims to streamline Microsoft's offerings and bolster its Teams platform, which has gained traction as a preferred tool for business communication, especially during the pandemic. Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized audio and video calls, reaching hundreds of millions of users at its peak, but has struggled against competitors like Zoom and Slack in recent years. As part of the transition, Skype users will be able to access Teams for free with their existing credentials, ensuring a smooth migration of chats and contacts. This move follows other notable missteps by Microsoft, including the decline of Internet Explorer and Windows Phone. Despite its decline, Microsoft acknowledged Skype's significant role in shaping modern communication, stating, "We are honored to have been part of the journey."
Published: Feb 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inRussia has appointed Alexander Darchiev as its new ambassador to the United States, a position that has been vacant since last year, signaling a potential thaw in strained relations. Darchiev, a seasoned diplomat with experience in various roles since 1992, most recently served as the director of the Russian foreign ministry's North American department. His appointment follows high-level talks initiated by US President Donald Trump, who has aimed to mend ties with Moscow since taking office, particularly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. The Russian foreign ministry confirmed that the US had officially agreed to Darchiev's appointment. This development comes on the heels of diplomatic discussions held in Istanbul, which sought to address ongoing tensions exacerbated by mutual embassy staff expulsions during President Joe Biden's administration. Darchiev is expected to take up his new role in Washington shortly.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPresident Donald Trump is poised to declare English as the official language of the United States, a move aimed at enhancing national cohesion amid the country’s diverse immigrant population. According to a White House document obtained on Friday, the initiative reflects Trump's belief that recognizing English as the official language is overdue. The document, shared by an anonymous official, emphasizes that a common language is essential for fostering unity among Americans. This executive order underscores the administration's commitment to promoting a singular linguistic identity in a nation known for its multicultural fabric. The announcement has sparked discussions about the implications for non-English speakers and the broader context of immigration policy in the U.S.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inBRICS+ nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and five additional members, have reaffirmed their commitment to reducing reliance on the US dollar for global trade, despite former President Donald Trump's repeated threats of imposing steep tariffs. Trump, who has claimed that his warnings have fractured the BRICS alliance, suggested that any member discussing dollar alternatives would face tariffs of up to 150%. However, Brazilian President Lula da Silva countered that such threats would not deter the group's determination to seek alternative payment platforms. Echoing this sentiment, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that US attempts to enforce dollar dominance would ultimately backfire. While BRICS+ does not yet have a unified currency, discussions are reportedly underway, with some members already engaging in trade using local currencies. The US dollar remains the dominant global currency, but the BRICS+ nations are actively exploring options for a multi-polar financial landscape.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inElon Musk has predicted that US Vice President JD Vance will eventually succeed Donald Trump as president, calling him the "best VP ever" on his social media platform X. Musk, who is Trump's leading donor for the 2024 presidential campaign, has praised Vance in similar terms previously. Since Trump took office last month, Musk has been granted significant authority to reduce government spending and restructure federal agencies, serving as a "special government employee" and senior adviser. Vance, who is the third-youngest vice president in US history, has a controversial past as a former "Never Trumper," having once criticized Trump harshly. However, his political fortunes changed after securing Trump's endorsement in the 2022 Ohio Senate race, marking a significant shift in his alignment with the former president.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia and the European Union have set a year-end deadline for a landmark free trade agreement, following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi. The deal, which aims to enhance trade ties, comes as India explores similar pacts with other nations, including the UK. Past attempts at a free trade agreement have faced challenges, with negotiations stalling in 2013 and again in 2021 due to disagreements over tariffs and visa restrictions. The EU is India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $137 billion in 2023-24. Modi emphasized a comprehensive collaboration blueprint covering trade, technology, and security, while von der Leyen highlighted the importance of the Indian Ocean for global trade security. Additionally, discussions on the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor were confirmed, aiming to improve connectivity and drive sustainable growth.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 6 pm
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