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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has responded to recent criticisms regarding child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs, particularly following remarks from Elon Musk. In an editorial for The Sun, Starmer defended his record on handling sex offences, asserting that far-right groups are attempting to manipulate the narrative surrounding the issue. He reiterated his stance against a new public inquiry into the scandal, which has resurfaced in public discourse. The grooming gangs, which operated primarily in northern English towns, were found to have exploited mainly white British girls, with investigations revealing systemic failures among authorities to act due to fears of appearing racist. Despite calls for a new inquiry from Musk and others, Starmer's government plans to implement reforms from an existing national inquiry, including mandatory reporting of abuse and stricter sentencing for offenders. Critics, however, continue to argue for a more thorough investigation into the matter.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 8 pmeznews.inInternational cooperation has stagnated amid rising geopolitical tensions, according to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Cooperation Barometer, released ahead of its Annual Meeting in Davos. The report highlights the urgent need for 'disordered' cooperation and innovative decision-making to address shared global challenges. While the peace and security pillar has sharply declined due to increased conflicts in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine, other areas such as climate finance, technology, and health show resilience and potential for collaboration. Notably, advancements in climate initiatives and a surge in foreign direct investment in strategic sectors like semiconductors and green energy signal opportunities for international cooperation. As global leaders gather in Davos, the WEF emphasizes the importance of adaptive leadership to foster trust and drive meaningful change in a complex and turbulent world.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 6 pmeznews.inPresident-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to issue pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, with around 900 having pleaded guilty and 600 currently incarcerated. During an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," Trump stated he would act swiftly on his first day in office, asserting that many defendants had "no choice" in their actions. His remarks have ignited controversy, particularly as he downplayed the violence of the riots, claiming only one person was killed and suggesting the FBI may have infiltrated the protests. Law enforcement officials have expressed feelings of betrayal, citing the severe injuries sustained by officers during the attack, which has been described as a significant assault on law enforcement. Critics warn that Trump's pardons could undermine accountability and pose risks to the integrity of American democracy and the rule of law.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking French magazine created by autistic journalists, Le Papotin, made its debut on newsstands on Wednesday, expanding its reach from online sales to approximately 3,000 shops across France. With a print run of 10,000 copies—three times the usual amount—the magazine offers celebrity interviews and cultural content, all produced by its editorial team of around 40 individuals on the autism spectrum. Prisma Media, France’s largest magazine publisher, announced that the magazine will be distributed for free, with a cover price of €10. The 2025 edition features French musician Philippe Katerine, who gained international attention during the Paris Olympics. Le Papotin, established in 1990, has also inspired a popular television show where its journalists engage with prominent figures, including President Emmanuel Macron, who has prioritized improving support for autistic children in France. Despite progress, a UN report highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of children with disabilities.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA harrowing video has surfaced showing a man pleading with a police officer to rescue his dogs from their home in Pacific Palisades as a fierce wildfire engulfs the area. The footage, shared by journalist Brianna Sacks, captures the man's desperation as he exclaims, "I need my dogs. They're my family," after being barred from accessing his residence while at work during the outbreak. In a frantic effort, he rented a bicycle to reach his pets. The wildfire, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions, has already scorched 1,262 acres between Santa Monica and Malibu, prompting the evacuation of 30,000 residents. Officials warned that worsening overnight wind conditions could lead to further devastation, as flying embers ignited nearby fires, and flames approached vehicles in Topanga Canyon. The National Weather Service had previously issued a high fire warning for Los Angeles County, predicting winds of up to 100 mph in mountainous areas.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Qinghai province in China on Wednesday, with its epicentre near the Yellow River's source in Madoi county, Golog prefecture, at a depth of 14 km (8.7 miles). This tremor follows a series of seismic events in the region, including a deadly 6.8-magnitude quake in Tibet and a smaller 3.1-magnitude quake in Sichuan. The quake occurred at 3:44 p.m. local time and is situated approximately 200 km west of Madoi, a town primarily inhabited by Tibetan resettlers. The Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is known for its seismic activity, having recorded 102 quakes of magnitude 3 or higher in the past five years, with the most significant reaching 7.4 in 2021. Wednesday's earthquake is about 1,000 km northeast of the recent Tibetan quake, highlighting the area's ongoing geological volatility.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAn Australian student missing for two weeks near Mount Kosciuszko has been found safe after surviving by foraging for berries, drinking creek water, and consuming muesli bars left by fellow hikers. Hadi Nazari, a 23-year-old university student from Melbourne, disappeared on December 26 while hiking in Kosciuszko National Park. He was located on Wednesday afternoon by a group of hikers who notified authorities. New South Wales Police Inspector Josh Broadfoot expressed relief at Nazari's remarkable condition, stating he was in "really good spirits" and suffered no significant injuries. Over 300 people participated in the extensive search across the rugged bushland surrounding Australia’s tallest mountain, which rises to 2,228 metres (7,310 feet). The successful outcome after 14 days of searching has brought joy to the community and highlighted the resilience of the young student.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 5 pmeznews.inPhilippine Nobel laureate Maria Ressa has expressed grave concerns about the future of journalism and democracy following Meta's recent decision to terminate its US fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram. In an interview with AFP, Ressa, co-founder of the Rappler news site, criticized Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's assertion that the move is a matter of free speech, arguing it prioritizes profit over user safety. Ressa, who has faced legal challenges under former President Rodrigo Duterte for her critical reporting, warned that the end of fact-checking could lead to a "world without facts," enabling the rise of authoritarianism. She noted that the situation in the US is a troubling precursor to greater dangers in the fight against disinformation. Ressa reaffirmed her commitment to uphold journalistic integrity, stating that this year is crucial for the survival of journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 5 pmeznews.inCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation amid mounting political pressure and declining popularity, a decision that reflects his struggles over recent years. Trudeau, once celebrated as a global leader, has faced criticism for his handling of domestic issues, including the economic fallout from COVID-19 and rising unemployment, which eroded public support. His political troubles intensified following the abrupt resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who accused him of failing to address significant economic challenges. Furthermore, Trudeau's foreign policy, particularly regarding India, has been marked by a deterioration in relations, exacerbated by his perceived alignment with pro-Khalistani groups. As Trudeau steps down, he will remain in office until a new Liberal leader is chosen, with many hoping for a reset in Canada-India ties that have suffered during his tenure.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe US-India NISAR mission, developed through a collaboration between NASA and ISRO, is set to launch in March from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This advanced satellite will utilize dual-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to monitor Earth's land and ice surfaces with unprecedented precision, down to the centimeter. The mission, initiated in 2014, aims to track environmental changes, including wetlands, ice sheets, and infrastructure affected by natural disasters. NISAR will employ L-band and S-band systems to collect data, scanning the planet twice every 12 days. NASA's contributions include a 39-foot radar antenna and advanced communication systems, while ISRO is responsible for the satellite's payload and operational aspects. The insights gained will enhance understanding of phenomena like landslides and climate change, with data available freely in the cloud to support global research and disaster response efforts.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 4 pmeznews.inFormer Prime Minister Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh was airlifted to London on a special royal air ambulance from Qatar on Tuesday for medical treatment, amid serious health issues including liver cirrhosis and cardiac problems. The 79-year-old leader, who heads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was seen off by hundreds of supporters outside her residence in Dhaka, resulting in significant traffic disruptions as her motorcade took nearly three hours to reach the airport. This marks her first overseas trip since her release from prison, where she served time on corruption charges, which her supporters claim were politically motivated. In London, she is expected to reunite with her son, Tarique Rahman, after seven years apart. Zia's departure comes during a politically uncertain period in Bangladesh, following the ousting of her rival Sheikh Hasina, and amid ongoing discussions regarding upcoming elections under the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 4 pm
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