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Japan commemorated the 30th anniversary of the deadly sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway, which resulted in 13 fatalities and injured over 5,800 on March 20, 1995. A moment of silence was observed by subway workers at Kasumigaseki station, one of the attack sites. Victims and experts expressed concerns about the ongoing activities of the Aum Shinrikyo cult, which remains active and is reportedly recruiting young people. Shizue Takahashi, who lost her husband in the attack, emphasized the lasting impact of that day, while survivors continue to face health issues. The cult's founder, Shoko Asahara, was executed in 2018, but his legacy persists among an estimated 1,600 followers. Lawyers have urged the government to enhance support for victims and take decisive action against the cult, warning that its continued existence poses a threat to society. 
Published: Mar 20 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe United States and Israel are set to engage in high-level discussions concerning Iran's nuclear program at the White House next week, following a letter from President Donald Trump to Iranian leadership. The letter warned Iran of potential military action unless it agrees to a nuclear deal. The Israeli delegation, led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, will meet with senior Trump advisers to explore the prospects for U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and related regional issues. Trump's recent military strikes against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis underscore his administration's "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at isolating Iran economically. Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran has exceeded previously established nuclear limits, raising concerns among Western officials about a potential nuclear-armed Iran threatening regional stability. Israel, meanwhile, seeks alignment with the U.S. in countering Iranian influence amid ongoing conflicts involving Iranian-backed groups.
Published: Mar 21 2025, 2 ameznews.inHamas has urged Arab and Muslim nations to take immediate action to halt Israel's renewed offensive on Gaza, asserting a "direct moral and political responsibility" to end what it describes as genocide. Israel resumed its air campaign on Tuesday, breaking a period of relative calm since a ceasefire began on January 19. Reports indicate that at least 504 people, including over 190 children, have been killed since the air strikes commenced, marking one of the highest tolls in the conflict that began over 17 months ago. As Israel's military operations expand in southern Rafah and beyond, Hamas has called for urgent intervention from the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, urging them to act within international forums like the UN Security Council. The renewed offensive follows stalled negotiations for a ceasefire extension, with Israel demanding the return of hostages held by Hamas.
Published: Mar 21 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe United States has imposed sanctions on a China-based oil refinery in Shandong province for purchasing approximately $500 million worth of Iranian oil from Huthi-linked ships, escalating its pressure on Iran. The US Treasury Department described the refinery as a "teapot refinery," a term for smaller, privately-owned operations in China, contrasting with larger state-owned enterprises. This move is part of President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, which aims to diminish the country's oil exports. The Treasury also sanctioned 19 additional ships and companies linked to the oil supply chain, emphasizing that such purchases sustain the Iranian regime, identified as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. Concurrently, the US State Department announced sanctions against a Chinese oil terminal, underscoring China's role as the largest importer of Iranian oil, which the US alleges funds attacks against its allies and supports global terrorism.
Published: Mar 21 2025, 1 ameznews.inIsrael's military announced on Thursday that it had killed Rashid Jahjouh, the head of Hamas's internal security agency, in a recent airstrike on the Gaza Strip, marking the latest in a series of targeted operations following the resumption of airstrikes earlier this week. The renewed offensive disrupted a period of relative calm since a ceasefire on January 19. Military spokesman Avichay Adraee confirmed Jahjouh's death, noting he had taken over the position after the killing of his predecessor, Sami Oudeh, in July 2024. In a separate operation, Israeli forces also eliminated Ismail Abdel-Al, linked to Islamic Jihad's arms smuggling network. The ongoing strikes have resulted in significant casualties, with Gaza's civil defense agency reporting 504 deaths, including over 190 children. Hamas has identified several of its officials, including government head Essam al-Dalis, among those killed in the recent Israeli assaults.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 11 pmeznews.inFrance is set to distribute a 20-page survival manual to every household as part of a national initiative to enhance citizens' preparedness for various emergencies, including potential war. The manual, pending approval from Prime Minister François Bayrou, will cover natural disasters, health crises like COVID-19, and security threats such as terrorism. It will feature practical advice, including emergency contact lists, radio station information, and guidelines for sheltering during a nuclear incident. Households will also be encouraged to assemble a 'survival kit' containing essentials like water, food, batteries, and medical supplies. This initiative follows France's 2022 launch of an emergency preparedness website and draws inspiration from similar programs in Sweden and Finland. President Emmanuel Macron recently emphasized the need for increased security measures, including boosting operational reservists from 40,000 to 100,000 by 2035, stating that France must be ready to defend itself against potential threats.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 11 pmeznews.inFormer Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been appointed as the patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR) under the government of his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, in Punjab province. His new role involves overseeing the restoration of numerous colonial-era buildings in Lahore, a task he has embraced as vital for preserving the city’s historical heritage. The Punjab administration officially announced his appointment, which comes after Sharif returned from London in 2023, aiming for a fourth term as prime minister but ultimately seeing his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, selected for the role instead. The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party criticized the move, suggesting it was merely a "government job" for Sharif, who they claim has been sidelined since his party's defeat in the 2024 elections. Nawaz Sharif has expressed a commitment to restoring Lahore’s beauty, stating that preserving the city's heritage is a national duty.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA 57-year-old woman, Alison Agatha Lawrence, has been arrested for allegedly drowning her dog in an airport restroom at Orlando International Airport after being denied boarding due to lack of necessary paperwork. The incident occurred in December, but Lawrence was only apprehended on Tuesday after police gathered evidence linking her to the disturbing act. She reportedly disposed of the dog's remains in a trash bin before proceeding through security. Neighbours indicated that Lawrence owned a white poodle, while her sister claimed ignorance of the allegations or her sister's whereabouts. Animal rights activists expressed shock at the incident, with one highlighting the gravity of the situation. Florida State Senator Tom Leek, who has introduced a bill to strengthen penalties for animal cruelty, cited this case as a troubling example of the need for legislative action. Lawrence has since posted a $5,000 bond following her arrest.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 9 pmeznews.inFrance's education ministry has scrapped a modern illustrated version of "Beauty and the Beast" by cartoonist Julien Berjeaut, known as Jul, deeming it unsuitable for tweens. The book, intended to provide 800,000 primary school graduates with a classic tale for summer reading, featured contemporary elements like a police sniffer dog and smartphones, alongside a depiction of the heroine with Mediterranean features. Education Minister Elisabeth Borne criticized the illustrations for addressing "complex realities" such as alcohol and police scrutiny, suggesting they were more appropriate for older students. Jul condemned the ministry's decision as political censorship, questioning whether the rejection stemmed from discomfort with diverse representations of characters. He drew parallels with the U.S. under Donald Trump, warning that France might be following a similar path of restricting educational content. The debate highlights ongoing tensions in France regarding immigration and representation in literature.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Thursday that he cannot legally negotiate the ownership of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, which former President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. could take over. Speaking at a news conference in Oslo, where he met with Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Zelensky emphasized that the nuclear plants belong to Ukraine and its people, stating, "We will not discuss it." He indicated that Ukraine is open to U.S. investment in the facility, contingent upon regaining control from Russian forces, which seized it at the war's onset. Trump's proposal came during a recent call with Zelensky, marking their first conversation since a contentious televised exchange last month. Trump's statement suggested that American ownership could safeguard Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure, highlighting ongoing discussions about the country's energy security amid the conflict with Russia.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Thursday aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, a move that aligns with his campaign promises and the desires of many conservatives. During a White House ceremony, Trump will direct Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate steps to close the department and transfer educational authority back to the states. Trump argues that this action is essential for saving taxpayer money and enhancing educational standards, which he claims lag behind those in Europe and China. However, critics, including educators and Democrats, have condemned the plan, emphasizing the vital role federal funding plays in supporting low-income schools and enforcing civil rights protections. While Trump’s administration, aided by tech billionaire Elon Musk, has already made significant cuts to various agencies, the closure of the Department of Education requires Congressional approval, which is currently not feasible for Republicans.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 10 pm
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