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Japan has scrambled fighter jets in response to Russian bombers flying over international waters near its territory, according to government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi. The incidents occurred in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan, prompting Japan's Air Self-Defense Force to take action. Hayashi noted the ongoing activity of Russian military aircraft in the region but did not specify the purpose of the flights. This follows previous diplomatic protests from Tokyo regarding airspace incursions, including a September incident that Russia denied. Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry claimed that the bombers, identified as Tupolev-95s, were conducting a routine flight over the waters, asserting that all operations adhered to international airspace regulations. Hayashi emphasized Japan's commitment to closely monitor the situation and enhance patrol measures against airspace violations.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe debate over birthright citizenship has been reignited by President Donald Trump, who argues that the provision was originally intended for the children of slaves, not as an open invitation for global immigration. In a recent statement, Trump asserted that while he supports the concept, it should not allow "the entire world to occupy the United States." His administration's attempts to revoke birthright citizenship began with an executive order on his first day in office, which was blocked by a federal court. In support of Trump's views, Republican Senators Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz, and Katie Britt have introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025, aiming to limit citizenship to children born to US citizens or lawful residents. The proposed legislation responds to concerns that current policies encourage illegal immigration, with estimates suggesting that 225,000 to 250,000 births in the US in 2023 were to illegal immigrants.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAs Donald Trump embarks on his second presidency, the geopolitical landscape is shifting dramatically, particularly regarding China, which has emerged as a stronger global player. Trump's administration is marked by a series of swift executive orders aimed at fulfilling his campaign promises, including mass deportations and dismantling the "Deep State." His controversial pardons for January 6 rioters and the launch of cryptocurrency initiatives have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, Trump's hardline immigration policies and aggressive energy strategies signal a return to a more imperialistic stance reminiscent of the late 19th century. However, his administration faces challenges, notably from China's technological advancements, exemplified by the rise of AI firm DeepSeek, which poses a significant threat to U.S. dominance in emerging technologies. As Trump navigates these complexities, the implications for both domestic and international policy will be closely scrutinized.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inNASA scientists have identified a near-Earth asteroid, designated 2024 YR4, which could potentially collide with Earth on December 22, 2032, presenting a 1-in-83 chance of impact. Measuring between 130 to 300 feet in diameter, the asteroid is not large enough to threaten human extinction, but experts caution that a collision with a major city could result in catastrophic destruction, releasing energy equivalent to 8 megatons of TNT—over 500 times the force of the Hiroshima bomb. First reported on December 27, 2024, by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in Chile, 2024 YR4 has since appeared on NASA's automated Sentry risk list. While there is about a 99% probability that it will not hit Earth, ongoing observations may refine its impact risk, as has occurred with other asteroids previously listed.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inCongressional offices in Washington have been warned against using DeepSeek, a Chinese chatbot that has garnered attention in the American AI landscape. The House's Chief Administrative Officer issued a notice, obtained by Axios, stating that DeepSeek is currently under review and unauthorized for official use due to security concerns. The notice emphasized that threat actors are exploiting the chatbot to distribute malicious software, prompting the House to implement measures to restrict its functionality on all House-issued devices. Staff members are explicitly prohibited from installing DeepSeek on official phones, computers, and tablets. This latest restriction follows previous limitations on AI tools, including a ban on Microsoft Copilot and a controlled use of ChatGPT. The actions highlight Congress's ongoing struggle to balance the rapid advancement of AI technology with the need to protect its systems and maintain security.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn the early days of his second term, President Donald Trump has swiftly moved to implement his populist agenda, including withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the WHO, while focusing heavily on anti-immigration policies. These measures, framed as necessary for national security, have intensified social anxieties towards minorities and immigrants, with Trump labeling deportation efforts as a defense against "invasion." A notable confrontation arose with Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the acceptance of deportees, which Trump resolved through diplomatic pressure. Trump's administration has reinstated strict immigration measures from his first term, suspending the US refugee admissions program and empowering ICE to detain undocumented migrants. While these policies have sparked concern among immigrant communities, particularly Indians, their broader impact on international relations may be limited. The ongoing trend reflects a global rejection of globalization, with the U.S. continuing to wield significant influence in global politics despite the humanitarian implications of its immigration policies.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a historic ruling, New Zealand has granted Mount Taranaki, now officially named Taranaki Maunga, the same legal rights as a human being, making it the third natural feature in the country to receive such status, following the Whanganui River and Te Urewera National Park. This recognition acknowledges the mountain as an ancestral entity for Indigenous Maori people and aims to address historical injustices, including land confiscation during colonization. Under the new law, Taranaki Maunga will effectively own itself, with local iwi and government representatives collaborating to manage it. The mountain, which stands at 8,261 feet and is a popular destination for tourism and outdoor activities, will also be renamed Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, meaning "the highly regarded and treasured lands of Taranaki." The legal framework, referred to as Te Kahui Tupua, grants Taranaki Maunga full rights, powers, and responsibilities akin to those of a person.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inElon Musk, CEO of Tesla and X, has reportedly taken his commitment to work to an extreme by living at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headquarters in Washington D.C., as reported by WIRED. This unusual arrangement allows him to maintain direct oversight of the department, which aims to reduce federal spending and streamline operations. Musk's decision to stay at DOGE, located near the White House, came after he was denied office space in the West Wing. His leadership style, characterized by a "hardcore" work ethic, has included sleeping on factory floors during Tesla's early days to demonstrate dedication. Under his guidance, DOGE has already saved taxpayers approximately $1 billion daily by cutting unnecessary hiring and eliminating diversity initiatives. The department is also reviewing penny production, which costs more than the coins' face value, potentially leading to significant taxpayer savings. However, concerns persist regarding the toxic workplace culture Musk's methods may foster.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA tragic mid-air collision occurred on Wednesday evening when an American Airlines passenger plane, piloted by 28-year-old Sam Lilley, collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. Lilley, who was looking forward to marrying his fiancée this fall, was remembered by his father, Timothy, a former Army helicopter pilot, in an emotional Facebook post. Timothy expressed pride in his son's achievements but lamented the devastating loss, describing the moment he learned of the crash as the worst day of his life. The incident, which took place around 8:47 PM EST, resulted in the deaths of all 67 individuals on board, marking it as the deadliest US air crash since 2001. Investigators have since recovered the black boxes from the passenger jet, which was transporting athletes and coaches, including former Russian world pairs champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, to the capital.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA recent collision between a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and American Eagle Flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has raised concerns about the safety record of the Army's "workhorse" helicopter, in service since 1979. Despite its reputation for reliability and survivability, the Black Hawk has been involved in several fatal incidents, including a training exercise collision in Kentucky that resulted in nine deaths. Retired Army Lt. Col. Darin Gaub noted that the crew may not have detected the passenger jet, as video showed no change in course or altitude before the crash, and the mission had fewer crew chiefs than usual, potentially impairing situational awareness. Following this and another fatal incident involving Apache helicopters, the Army has grounded its aviation units for non-critical missions. A review found that while 60 fatalities occurred in Black Hawk training incidents over the past decade, it has a lower fatality rate compared to other Army helicopters.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 1 pm
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