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Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed new peace talks with Ukraine, reflecting on a previously abandoned draft deal from 2022 and acknowledging Russia's control over nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory. This initiative was met with a positive response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who emphasized that discussions could only proceed if Moscow agreed to an immediate ceasefire. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the talks would consider both the 2022 draft, known as the "Istanbul Communique," and the current situation. Initially, negotiations began shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, but they broke off in May. The draft suggested Ukraine adopt a stance of permanent neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees from major powers, while addressing Ukraine's potential EU membership and limitations on its military forces. However, territorial issues remain a significant challenge in achieving lasting peace. 
Published: May 11 2025, 5 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump is poised to receive a $400 million Boeing 747-8, dubbed the "flying palace" for its opulent features, from the Qatari royal family as a temporary substitute for Air Force One. This aircraft, previously used by the Qatari royals and the Turkish government, comes amid delays in producing two new presidential jets ordered by Trump's administration, which are not expected until 2029. Trump toured the lavish plane in February, but he has denied claims that it is a gift from Qatar, asserting that the US has paid for it. Qatar also refuted these allegations, stating that reports of a gift were inaccurate. The arrangement is currently under legal review by both countries' defense departments, and the Emoluments Clause of the US Constitution restricts officials from accepting foreign gifts without Congressional consent. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the situation, calling it "premium foreign influence." 
Published: May 12 2025, 1 pmeznews.inPakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has firmly rejected India's allegations that his country shelters terrorists, asserting that no active terrorist groups operate from Pakistan. In an interview with the BBC, Asif claimed that individuals living in Pakistan do not engage in terrorist activities either domestically or across the border with India. His comments come in the wake of heightened tensions following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which India attributed to the banned group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Asif pointed to historical U.S. involvement in arming Afghan groups during the 1980s, suggesting that Pakistan is unfairly blamed for the consequences of these past alliances. Despite Pakistan's denials, India continues to accuse it of supporting terrorism, citing incidents like the 2019 Pulwama attack. The international community remains skeptical, as demonstrated by a recent UN Security Council meeting that questioned Pakistan's ties to terrorist organizations. 
Published: May 12 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe United States and China have agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs on each other's goods as part of an effort to ease trade tensions, allowing three additional months for negotiations. According to a joint statement from Geneva, US tariffs on most Chinese imports will drop from 145% to 30%, while Chinese duties on US products will decrease from 125% to 10% by May 14. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the constructive dialogue surrounding fentanyl and reiterated that both nations aim to avoid economic decoupling. The announcement marks a potential thaw in a tariff war that has significantly impacted trans-Pacific trade. However, the White House's characterization of the agreement as a "trade deal" raises questions about the feasibility of reaching a mutually acceptable resolution, especially given historical precedents of stalled negotiations. The US seeks a more balanced trade relationship, while China has called for the complete removal of tariffs, complicating discussions. 
Published: May 12 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA small village in Brazil, Serrinha dos Pintos, is grappling with Spoan syndrome, a rare hereditary illness that progressively weakens the nervous system. A 2010 study led by geneticist Silvana Santos revealed that over 30% of couples in the village are related, a factor that significantly increases the likelihood of passing on the mutated gene responsible for the syndrome. Santos, who first visited the remote community over 20 years ago, was prompted by reports of children losing their ability to walk. Her extensive research, which included gathering DNA samples and engaging with local families, established a direct link between intermarriage and the syndrome's prevalence. The first scientific study on Spoan syndrome was published in 2005, and Santos' work has since reshaped public perception of the condition, earning her recognition as one of the BBC's 100 most influential women in 2024. While there is no cure, her efforts have brought attention to this previously unrecognized disease. 
Published: May 12 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn the wake of increasing violence against high-profile business leaders, including the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the kidnapping of French cryptocurrency founder David Balland, the ultra-wealthy are prioritizing personal security like never before. A recent Forbes report highlights a surge in demand for elite security services, with requests for threat assessments skyrocketing by 1,500% compared to 2024. Businesspersons are investing heavily in protective measures, including private drivers, residential security systems, and online threat monitoring, with comprehensive security teams costing upwards of $2 million. The growing concern among the wealthy is fueled by a rise in anti-elite sentiment, particularly among younger demographics, with 41% of 18 to 29-year-olds deeming Thompson's suspected murder "acceptable." Major companies, including Snap and Meta, have allocated millions to safeguard their executives, reflecting the heightened risks faced by those in sectors like pharmaceuticals and healthcare. 
Published: May 12 2025, 2 pmeznews.inMilitary operations chiefs from India and Pakistan are set to discuss the next steps following a ceasefire that has restored calm along their border, with both countries' equity markets showing signs of recovery. After initial ceasefire violations, the Indian Army reported a peaceful night, although some schools remain closed. The ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump, followed days of intense conflict and diplomatic pressure from Washington. India has raised concerns over previous violations, while Pakistan's military has denied them. Both countries' military leaders are scheduled to communicate on Monday. Following recent tensions, including missile strikes and retaliatory actions, the International Monetary Fund approved a $1.4 billion loan to Pakistan, which has helped boost its stock market. While Pakistan has welcomed US mediation offers regarding Kashmir, India insists on direct negotiations, rejecting third-party involvement. The Indian Congress party has called for a special parliamentary session to address the situation. 
Published: May 12 2025, 12 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has announced plans to reopen the infamous Alcatraz prison, famously stating, "nobody ever escaped from Alcatraz," despite historical evidence to the contrary. Alcatraz, closed in 1963 due to high operational costs, was home to several notable escape attempts. The first significant breakout occurred in 1937 when inmates Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe escaped by sawing through bars and using a makeshift raft, reportedly evading capture and living in South America. The most renowned escape happened on June 11, 1962, when Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers executed a meticulously planned escape involving tunneling through cell walls and crafting a raft from rubber raincoats. Although a massive manhunt ensued, the trio was never found, and the FBI eventually deemed them presumed dead in 1979, though the case remains open with ongoing speculation about their fate. 
Published: May 12 2025, 11 ameznews.inA magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Tibet early on Monday, according to the China Earthquake Administration (CEA). The quake occurred at 5:11 a.m. local time (2111 GMT) and was centered near the city of Shigatse, at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). Emergency response teams have been deployed to the area, but as of now, there have been no reports of casualties. This seismic event comes less than a year after a more powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake in January resulted in over 120 fatalities in Tingri county, located approximately 240 km (149 miles) from Shigatse. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while assessing any potential damage from the latest quake. 
Published: May 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn a significant military operation, India has disclosed the identities of high-ranking Pakistani Army officials who attended the funeral of terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in response to a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation targeted nine terror sites, including the notorious Markaz Taiba of Lashkar-e-Taiba and facilities associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen. At a joint press conference, Indian military leaders highlighted the involvement of Abdul Rauf, a designated global terrorist, in leading the funeral, which was held with state honours, featuring the Pakistani flag draped over the coffins. The operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 100 terrorists, including key figures linked to past attacks, such as Khalid and Mudassir Khadian Khas, both of whom had connections to the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama incident. 
Published: May 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inJacqueline Ma, a 36-year-old former teacher at Lincoln Acres Elementary School and a one-time "Teacher of the Year," has been sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison for sexually assaulting two minors. Prosecutors revealed that Ma groomed her victims with gifts and attention, initiating a sexual relationship with one boy when he was just 12 years old. Over ten months, she sent him love letters and suggestive texts, ultimately assaulting him in her classroom while his parents believed he was at a basketball program. Ma also groomed another boy, aged 11, in a similar manner. She pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including forcible lewd acts on a child and possession of child sexual abuse material. During her sentencing, Ma expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the harm she caused and the betrayal of trust, stating, "I ripped away their childhood." District Attorney Summer Stephan emphasized the lasting impact of Ma's actions on her victims. 
Published: May 11 2025, 10 pm
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