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JD Vance and Usha to Visit India, Meet PM Modi

US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha and their three children, will embark on a four-day visit to India starting April 21. The trip, announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, aims to strengthen bilateral ties and focus on finalizing a proposed trade pact amid rising global concerns over President Donald Trump's tariff policies. This marks Vance's first official visit to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and engage with key Indian officials, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The itinerary includes visits to New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, where the family will explore cultural sites like the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal. The visit comes in the wake of recent discussions between Modi and Trump on trade agreements, highlighting the urgency to address trade disruptions and foster economic cooperation. sources

Published:
Apr 17 2025, 3 pm

Humanoid Robots Compete with Humans in China Half-Marathon

In a groundbreaking event at the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing, twenty-one humanoid robots competed alongside thousands of human runners over a 21-km (13-mile) course, marking the first instance of such a race. The robots, crafted by Chinese companies like DroidVP and Noetix Robotics, varied in height from 120 cm (3.9 feet) to 1.8 m (5.9 ft), with one model designed to resemble a human, complete with feminine features and the ability to wink and smile. While some firms prepared their robots for weeks, Beijing officials likened the event to a race car competition due to the engineering challenges involved. Despite the spectacle, experts like Alan Fern from Oregon State University argue that the event primarily showcased hardware endurance rather than significant advancements in artificial intelligence, as the technology for robotic running has been available for over five years. Critics question the relevance of such demonstrations to the broader industrial potential of robotics in China. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 9 am

Dr. Oz's Granddaughter Faints at Oval Office Ceremony

A question-and-answer session with US President Donald Trump was abruptly interrupted in the Oval Office on Friday when Mehmet Oz's 11-year-old granddaughter, Philomena, fainted during his swearing-in ceremony as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). White House aides quickly cleared the room, instructing reporters and photographers to leave, while Trump attended to the young girl. A White House official later confirmed that she was fine. Oz, who was sworn in by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., emphasized his commitment to strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, stating, "there will be NO CUTS." As the new head of CMS, overseeing a $1.7 trillion budget and responsible for the health of over 160 million Americans, Oz expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the agency and pledged to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 10 am

Next Week: Rare Planetary Alignment Creates 'Smiley Face' Sky

Stargazers worldwide are set to enjoy a rare celestial event on April 25, when a triple planetary conjunction will create a "smiley face" in the predawn sky. This unique alignment features Venus and Saturn as the "eyes," while a delicate crescent moon forms the "mouth." Visible from any location with a clear view of the eastern horizon, the conjunction will occur just before sunrise, approximately one hour prior. NASA Solar System Ambassador Brenda Culbertson highlighted that the triangular formation of these celestial bodies will be particularly striking. This event follows the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower, adding to the excitement of the night sky. Observers can view the bright planets with the naked eye, but telescopes or binoculars will enhance the experience, allowing for better detail of the crescent moon. Additionally, those with a clear view may spot Mercury below the trio. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 10 am

Over 140 Dead, Many Missing in Congo Boat Fire

At least 143 people have died and dozens are missing after a fuel-laden boat caught fire and capsized on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident occurred near Mbandaka, Equateur Province, on Tuesday, when the blaze erupted due to a fuel explosion triggered by a cooking fire. Josephine-Pacifique Lokumu, a regional official, reported that 131 bodies were recovered on Wednesday, with 12 more found in subsequent days, many of them charred. Local civil society leader Joseph Lokondo noted the provisional death toll could rise, stating some victims drowned while others were burned. Hundreds were reportedly on board the vessel, and while some survivors were rescued and hospitalized, many families remain desperate for news of their loved ones. The DRC’s poor transportation infrastructure often leads to such maritime disasters, with previous incidents resulting in significant loss of life. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 10 am

Trump's Harvard Feud Threatens Lou Gehrig's Disease Research

David Walt, a Harvard professor renowned for his contributions to genetic screening and disease diagnosis, recently received a presidential medal for his innovations, including work on early detection of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). However, on Tuesday, Walt learned that the Department of Health and Human Services had halted his $650,000 government contract amid a political clash with Harvard over compliance with the Trump administration's demands. Without alternative funding, Walt warned that his ALS research would cease, impacting patient care. The funding freeze has already affected over $2.2 billion in contracts and grants to Harvard, jeopardizing numerous scientific projects across various fields. Colleagues like Donald Ingber also face halted contracts, with significant implications for research on human organ chips and other critical studies. As federal funding constitutes a substantial part of Harvard's budget, the university anticipates more stop-work orders, raising concerns about the future of medical research and its broader economic impact. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 10 am

Indian Student, 21, Shot Dead by Stray Bullet in Canada

A 21-year-old Indian student, Harsimrat Randhawa, was tragically killed in Hamilton, Ontario, after being struck by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop on her way to work. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when shots were fired from a black car toward a white sedan, with Randhawa identified as an innocent bystander. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. The Hamilton Police are conducting a homicide investigation and have confirmed that the shooting also impacted a nearby residence, although no injuries were reported there. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow over Randhawa's death and is providing support to her family. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant dashcam or security footage from the area during the time of the shooting to come forward to assist in the investigation. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 9 am

US Unveils 10,000 Pages on RFK Assassination Records

Approximately 10,000 pages of records related to the 1968 assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy were released on Friday, revealing handwritten notes from his assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, who expressed a fixation on killing the Democratic presidential candidate. Among the documents, which were made public as part of a broader initiative by former President Donald Trump, was a note stating, "RFK must be disposed of like his brother was," referencing the assassination of JFK in 1963. The files also included interviews with Sirhan's acquaintances, portraying him as both friendly and politically charged, with some noting he had threatened to kill Kennedy shortly after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Despite some redactions, the release has sparked renewed interest in the circumstances surrounding the assassination, with experts urging careful examination of the documents for potential insights. Kennedy remains a significant figure for many liberals, symbolizing a commitment to human rights and social justice. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 7 am

White House Blames China for Covid-19 Lab Leak, Targets Fauci

The White House has launched a revised Covid-19 website that promotes the controversial lab leak theory as the "true origins" of the virus, marking a significant shift from its previous focus on vaccines and testing. The updated site features an image of former President Donald Trump and criticizes pandemic policies under President Joe Biden, particularly targeting former chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci for advocating the natural origin narrative. It presents five points supporting the lab leak theory, highlighting Wuhan's proximity to a major SARS research lab and its history of biosafety issues. While US intelligence agencies, including the FBI and CIA, have recently leaned towards the lab leak theory, China has dismissed these claims as politically motivated. The site also critiques earlier public health measures and accuses previous officials of censoring alternative treatments. This overhaul coincides with significant layoffs at health agencies as the Trump administration seeks to restructure its approach to public health. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 6 am

Canada's PM Mark Carney: China’s Major Geopolitical Threat

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has identified China as a significant threat regarding foreign interference and an emerging concern in the Arctic, labeling it the country's biggest security challenge during a recent debate. Speaking at a news conference in Niagara Falls, Carney emphasized the need for Canada to counteract Chinese influence, criticizing Beijing's partnership with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict and its implications for broader Asian stability, particularly Taiwan. As the Liberal Party leads in polls ahead of the April 28 election, Carney also addressed Canada's ongoing trade tensions with the United States, asserting that Canada would not retaliate dollar for dollar but acknowledged a shift in shared values and engagement levels with its southern neighbor. He highlighted potential trade opportunities beyond the U.S. and China, suggesting deeper ties with regions like Europe and ASEAN. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 6 am

Pope Francis Misses Good Friday Procession Due to Health Issues

Pope Francis, 88, continued to limit his public appearances due to health concerns, missing the annual Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum for the third consecutive year. The pontiff, still recovering from a severe bout of double pneumonia, did not attend the Via Crucis, a solemn re-enactment of Jesus' crucifixion that draws thousands of Catholic faithful. The Vatican confirmed that Francis personally authored the meditations for the ceremony, which addressed pressing issues such as war, economic struggles, and the role of women in the Church. This year marks the second time in his 12-year papacy that he has penned these reflections. The Vatican has yet to announce whether he will participate in other Easter services this weekend, following his absence from a related event on Thursday, which was attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family. Good Friday leads to Easter, the pivotal celebration of Jesus' resurrection. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 6 am

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