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Kash Patel was sworn in as the ninth Director of the FBI on Friday, taking the oath on the Bhagavad Gita at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, surrounded by family. Confirmed by the Senate with a narrow 51-49 vote, Patel succeeds Christopher Wray and is an ally of President Donald Trump, who praised him as a "tough, strong" leader respected by agents. In his inaugural remarks, Patel expressed his belief in the American dream, stating, "You are talking to a first-generation Indian who is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth." He committed to ensuring accountability within the FBI and restoring public trust in the agency. The White House welcomed Patel's confirmation as a significant step towards restoring integrity and upholding the rule of law, emphasizing a renewed focus on fair and unbiased justice enforcement. 
Published: Feb 22 2025, 6 ameznews.inPassengers aboard the P&O Iona cruise ship are reportedly suffering from a suspected norovirus outbreak, with some describing alarming scenes of illness throughout the vessel. Currently on a seven-day cruise in northern Europe, the ship is carrying 5,000 guests and 1,800 crew members. Witnesses have recounted instances of vomiting in various areas, raising concerns about the health situation on board. P&O Cruises has acknowledged reports of gastrointestinal illness among guests but stated that less than one percent of passengers, approximately 500, are affected. The company emphasized its collaboration with health authorities to implement strict health protocols and has offered refunds to guests unable to participate in shore activities due to illness. Norovirus, known for causing acute gastroenteritis, is highly contagious and can lead to severe dehydration. Recent NHS England data indicates a significant rise in norovirus cases, marking the highest levels since 2012.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA team of Chinese virologists, led by Shi Zhengli from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, has identified a new bat coronavirus that poses a potential risk of animal-to-human transmission, as it utilizes the same human receptor—angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)—as the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. This newly discovered lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus, initially found in Japanese pipistrelle bats, belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the virus causing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The researchers reported that the virus could infect human cells and mimic respiratory or intestinal organ functions. Despite ongoing allegations regarding the lab's involvement in the origins of COVID-19, the Chinese government has consistently denied any claims of a lab leak or gain-of-function research, asserting that the Wuhan Institute has not engaged in such studies.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTourists drawn to Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, have faced criticism for their reckless behavior following its eruption on February 8. Photojournalist Giuseppe Distefano reported instances of visitors cooking sausages and brewing coffee on hot lava rocks, highlighting a concerning trend of disrespect for safety guidelines at the UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite regulations mandating a 500-meter distance from the lava flow, many have ignored these rules, often for social media attention. Distefano noted absurd scenarios, including individuals walking towards the lava in plastic bags to protect their shoes from snow and ice. He has also received bizarre requests, such as photographing wine bottles next to lava and capturing their destruction. As the highest volcano in Europe, standing at 3,350 meters (nearly 11,000 feet), Mount Etna's eruptions have previously led to significant disruptions, including the closure of a major airport due to volcanic ash.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA newly identified bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, has been discovered in China, raising concerns due to its similarity to SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19. Led by prominent virologist Shi Zhengli, the research indicates that HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to human ACE2 receptors, which are also targeted by SARS-CoV-2, suggesting a potential for animal-to-human transmission. However, it has a lower binding affinity, and its capacity to infect humans on a large scale remains uncertain. While there are no confirmed human cases yet, the virus could cause respiratory symptoms akin to those of MERS and COVID-19, including fever and cough. Experts emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring to track any mutations that could enhance its infectiousness, noting that it may spread directly from bats or through intermediate animal hosts. Currently, it does not pose an immediate pandemic threat, according to the research team.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a recent hostage exchange, Hamas released three Israeli captives, including Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen, to the Red Cross in Nuseirat. The hostages were presented on stage, waving and holding their release certificates before being handed over to Red Cross officials. Notably, Omer Shem Tov drew attention when he kissed the foreheads of two Hamas members during the event, a gesture that sparked discussions online. Following the ceremony, a Red Cross convoy transported the released hostages to safety. This exchange marks a continuing effort to resolve the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas amid a complex and volatile conflict.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inTesla CEO Elon Musk faces potential expulsion from the Royal Society, the UK's oldest scientific academy, following an open letter signed by over 2,700 scientists protesting his membership. The letter, spearheaded by Imperial College London's Professor Stephen Curry, criticises the Society for its "continued silence and apparent inaction" since Musk's 2018 fellowship, despite his behaviour allegedly violating the Society's Code of Conduct. Professor Curry highlighted the resignation of Professor Dorothy Bishop, who condemned Musk's promotion of conspiracy theories and disparaging remarks about former US Chief Medical Advisor Anthony Fauci. With a meeting scheduled for March 3 to address the matter, Curry expressed concern over Musk's influence within the US administration, particularly as an advisor to Donald Trump. Historically, the Royal Society has only expelled one member in over 150 years, raising the stakes for this unprecedented situation.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 2 pmeznews.inVasundhara Oswal, the daughter of Indian billionaire Pankaj Oswal, has described her three-week imprisonment in Uganda as a severe violation of her human rights, following her arrest on charges of kidnapping and murder related to her father's former employee, Mukesh Menaria, who was later found alive. Oswal, 26, claimed she endured inhumane treatment, including denial of food and water, and was coerced into making statements without legal representation. Arrested on October 1, 2024, and granted bail on October 21, she alleged police misconduct, including searches without warrants and extortion attempts. Despite Menaria's survival, Oswal faced charges that were only reduced after her family's financial intervention. She is now seeking legal recourse for her ordeal and has called on the Ugandan government to rectify its actions, emphasizing the need for proper legal conduct towards foreign investors. The charges against her were dismissed on December 19, 2024.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 3 pmeznews.inPope Francis, 88, is currently hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he is being treated for double pneumonia after being admitted for bronchitis on February 14. The Vatican reported that the pontiff "rested well" during his eighth night in care, although his doctors cautioned that he is "not out of danger." Professor Sergio Alfieri noted that while the pope's condition is slightly improving, there remains a risk of serious complications. Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin dismissed concerns about Francis's ability to continue his papal duties, emphasizing that the focus is on the pope's recovery. Despite his health challenges, including a chronic lung condition and previous surgeries, Alfieri remarked on Francis's resilience and positive spirit. The pope is expected to remain in the hospital at least through next week, with questions arising about his future leadership amid ongoing health issues.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe United States Space Force (USSF) has unveiled the first photograph of its secretive X-37B space plane in orbit, taken by an onboard camera while the craft was conducting experiments over Africa. Launched on December 28, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, the X-37B has been in orbit for over a year as part of its seventh mission. The USSF noted that the image was captured during a series of innovative maneuvers known as aerobraking, which allowed the vehicle to alter its orbit using minimal fuel. While details about the X-37B's activities remain largely classified, the Space Force has shared that this mission includes studies on radiation effects and space domain awareness. The photo's release sparked amusement on social media, with users speculating about the potential existence of even more advanced technologies being developed by the Space Force.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUS negotiators have reportedly threatened to cut Ukraine's access to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet system unless Kyiv agrees to a deal on its critical minerals. This warning came during discussions between US officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who previously rejected a proposal from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the minerals. Starlink, essential for Ukraine's military operations and communication, was described by a source as "their North Star," with losing it seen as a "massive blow." The tensions escalated as Zelensky dismissed a US plan that would give American firms 50% access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, including lithium and uranium. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has expressed interest in Ukraine supplying the US with these resources in exchange for military support. The situation has led to a rift between Trump and Zelensky, with both leaders trading barbs over their respective positions.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 3 pm
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