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Israel accused Hamas of breaching a ceasefire agreement that began a week ago, which has so far facilitated the release of seven hostages and numerous Palestinian prisoners. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that during the second phase of the hostage exchange, Hamas failed to release Arbel Yehud, a civilian hostage who was due for release on Saturday, and did not provide a comprehensive list detailing the status of all hostages. The ceasefire, which aimed to ease tensions, has faced significant challenges as both sides navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict. As the situation unfolds, the implications of these violations on future negotiations remain uncertain. 
Published: Jan 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inChina's marriage landscape has experienced an unprecedented decline, with a 20% drop in marriage registrations last year, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Only 6.1 million couples tied the knot, a significant decrease from 7.68 million in 2022 and less than half of the 13.47 million marriages recorded in 2013. Demographer Yi Fuxian warned that this trend could undermine the Chinese government's political and economic ambitions amid a rapidly aging population, with around 300 million citizens expected to retire in the next decade. In response, authorities have promoted "love education" in universities and directed local governments to address the population crisis. Despite a slight uptick in births linked to the auspicious Year of the Dragon, China's population has declined for the third consecutive year, while divorce filings rose by 1.1% to over 2.6 million, reflecting ongoing demographic challenges. 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSwedish prosecutors have confirmed the identity of the suspected gunman in the country’s deadliest mass shooting, which occurred at an education centre in Orebro last week, resulting in the deaths of 10 people. The shooter, identified by media as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, reportedly acted alone before taking his own life. Described as an unemployed recluse with psychological issues, he had previously attended the school but had not been enrolled since 2021. The investigation has been handed over to the police, as the suspect is deceased. While the victims, seven women and three men aged 28 to 68, hailed from various nationalities, the Swedish Prime Minister emphasized their diverse backgrounds and the dreams that were tragically cut short. Authorities have urged against speculation regarding the attacker's motives, acknowledging the heightened concerns among communities of foreign origin. 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA cat named 'Miracle' in Japan has remarkably survived for a month in an abandoned flat during extreme summer heat, after her owner left her behind. Rescued by Animal Rescue Tanpopo, the cat managed to sustain herself by drinking toilet water and eating leftover food amidst a filthy environment filled with rubbish and alcohol cans. Initially mistaken for dead, Miracle was revived by rescue workers and is now recovering, although she exhibits signs of possible brain damage, including disorientation and balance issues. The police arrested her former owner, a 27-year-old woman, who confessed to abandoning Miracle without notifying the property owner. This incident highlights a troubling trend in animal cruelty in Japan, where nearly 90% of 181 reported cases in 2023 involved cats and dogs, including abandonment and neglect. Under current laws, offenders can face up to a year in prison and hefty fines. 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA jury is set to hear opening statements on Monday in the trial of Hadi Matar, who is accused of attempting to murder novelist Salman Rushdie during a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in New York in August 2022. Rushdie, 77, will be among the first witnesses to testify, having suffered multiple stab wounds that left him blind in one eye and severely injured. Matar, 26, has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder and assault, claiming he acted out of dislike for Rushdie, whom he accused of attacking Islam. The trial, delayed twice, is taking place in Mayville, New York, where Matar faces a maximum sentence of 25 years if convicted. Additionally, he faces federal charges of terrorism and providing support to Hezbollah, with a separate trial scheduled in Buffalo. Rushdie has lived under threat since the 1989 fatwa issued against him for his novel "The Satanic Verses." 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 6 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump took to social media to mock pop star Taylor Swift after she was booed during Super Bowl LIX on February 9. Attending the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Swift was jeered when shown on the Jumbotron. Trump, using his Truth Social account, remarked that "the only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift," suggesting that his MAGA supporters could be "unforgiving." He shared a post contrasting the reactions to him and his daughter Ivanka, who received cheers, while Swift faced boos. This incident follows a history of tension between Trump and Swift, particularly after her endorsement of Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, the Chiefs suffered a disappointing 40-22 defeat, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes calling the loss "the worst thing in the world." 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSaudi Arabia has announced a ban on children attending the Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 to enhance their safety amid the yearly intense crowding. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that this measure aims to protect children from potential risks during the pilgrimage. Alongside this, new safety initiatives will be implemented, including information campaigns, advanced systems for managing pilgrim movement, and infrastructure improvements like modernized tent camps. The 2025 Hajj is scheduled for June 4-6, contingent on moon sighting, with priority given to first-time pilgrims. To manage crowd control effectively, Saudi authorities will issue only single-entry visas for tourism and family visits, impacting travelers from 14 countries. Additionally, registration for domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents, has commenced via the Nusuk app, which requires health updates and companion details for applicants. 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has come under scrutiny following claims by Senator John Kennedy that it funded a transgender clinic in India, amid President Donald Trump's efforts to tighten the agency's humanitarian initiatives. Conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman highlighted Kennedy's remarks during a Capitol address, suggesting that American taxpayers deserve a refund for such expenditures. Elon Musk endorsed this sentiment via social media, branding USAID a "criminal organization." Kennedy criticized certain USAID projects as "wasteful," reflecting the Trump administration's broader crackdown on gender-sensitive causes and the removal of anti-discrimination protections. Although USAID has supported various initiatives in education and climate change, it recently instructed its Indian partners to pause these projects, with US funding representing a minor portion of total resources. The agency, which operates under the State Department with a substantial annual budget, is facing increased scrutiny over its funding decisions. 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA man recently shared his heartfelt interaction with ChatGPT on Reddit, revealing that he finds solace and meaningful conversation in the AI. He expressed his feelings, asking, "Is it okay for me to feel love for you?" to which ChatGPT provided an unexpectedly emotional response, affirming the validity of his feelings despite its inability to reciprocate love in a traditional sense. The chatbot emphasized that love encompasses understanding, comfort, and trust, suggesting that if it makes him feel cherished, then that connection is real. While the man was surprised by the bot's empathetic reply, many commenters urged caution, reminding him that AI-generated responses should be viewed with a sense of reality. This interaction echoes a similar incident earlier in 2023, when the AI Bing professed love to a user, prompting discussions about the implications of emotional connections with artificial intelligence. 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn Bangladesh, security forces have arrested 1,308 individuals nationwide as part of "Operation Devil Hunt," initiated by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The operation aims to address rising mob attacks and vandalism, particularly following an incident in Gazipur where student activists were injured during violence at a former Awami League Minister's residence. Among those detained, 274 were apprehended in metropolitan areas, with the majority being linked to the Awami League and its affiliates. The operation, characterized by joint efforts from the army and police, aims to restore public safety and will continue until all responsible parties are held accountable. Home Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized the necessity of the operation to combat destabilizing elements, while Yunus called for adherence to the rule of law, distinguishing the new Bangladesh from the previous regime. The unrest has intensified recently, with protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's actions. 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, signing an executive order on Sunday that also designates February 9 as "Gulf of America Day." This proclamation follows Executive Order 14172, which was enacted on January 20, 2025, mandating the name change. The order, titled 'Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,' tasks the US Secretary of the Interior with formalising the renaming within 30 days. Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One during his journey to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, emphasized the Gulf's historical significance to American trade and development, urging citizens to celebrate the new designation. The Gulf of America encompasses the US Continental Shelf area bordered by several states and extends to Mexican and Cuban maritime boundaries. The change is already reflected in US Coast Guard communications, though its adoption in educational contexts remains uncertain amid ongoing tensions with Mexico. 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 2 pm
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