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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned that he would retaliate against any increase in US tariffs on Brazilian products by imposing taxes on American exports, although he expressed a preference for improved relations over a trade war. Speaking at a press conference in Brasilia, Lula emphasized the importance of mutual respect between the two nations, while criticizing US President Donald Trump's past comments on territorial claims. He also highlighted the global threats to democracy, asserting its significance in preventing authoritarian regimes. As Brazil prepares to host the COP30 climate talks, Lula condemned Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord as detrimental to global progress. With rising concerns over economic issues, Lula dismissed worries about declining approval ratings and high interest rates, asserting confidence in his new central bank president and announcing plans for a significant credit program to boost production and manage public spending.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, has confirmed the deaths of its military chief, Mohammed Deif, and deputy chief of staff, Marwan Issa, at the hands of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip. Abu Obeida, the brigades' spokesperson, stated that while the assassinations of these leaders are significant, the Palestinian resistance will persist. Israel claims Deif was a key architect of the October 7, 2023, attacks that resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths, and had previously announced his death in July 2023, which Hamas only acknowledged now. The International Criminal Court has sought warrants against Deif and other senior Hamas figures for their roles in the attacks. The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas's assault on Israel, has resulted in over 47,460 Palestinian deaths and a ceasefire established on January 19, which has allowed for the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 5 ameznews.inA U.S. appeals court has declared a long-standing federal ban on licensed firearms dealers selling handguns to adults under 21 as unconstitutional, referencing recent Supreme Court rulings that broaden gun rights. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, marking a significant shift from its 2012 stance, ruled that the prohibition violates the Second Amendment. This decision follows the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which mandated that modern firearm regulations align with historical traditions. The ban, enacted in 1968, was challenged by individuals aged 18 to 20 and gun rights organizations. Judge Edith Jones stated that the government's defense lacked sufficient historical evidence to justify the age restriction. The ruling has been hailed as a victory for gun rights advocates, while the Justice Department has yet to comment on the decision.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 6 ameznews.inSyria's new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has announced plans for a "national dialogue conference" aimed at fostering discussions on the country's political future, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. In his inaugural address, Sharaa, appointed just a day prior, emphasized the need to maintain civil peace and territorial integrity, pledging to form a committee to prepare for the conference and issue a "constitutional declaration" to guide the transitional period. He also vowed to pursue justice for those responsible for violence during the conflict. Sharaa's address coincided with a visit from Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who stressed the importance of an inclusive government for stability and reconstruction. Regional leaders, including Saudi Arabia's king and Jordan's king, have congratulated Sharaa, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations as Syria embarks on a new chapter after years of civil war.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 4 ameznews.inU.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is considering imposing a 25% tariff on oil imports from Mexico and Canada, with a decision expected by the end of the day. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed concerns about unfair trade practices, particularly related to the flow of fentanyl and migrants across U.S. borders. He emphasized that tariffs could be implemented if both countries fail to address these issues. The announcement comes as tensions rise with two of the United States' largest trading partners. As of now, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office and Mexico's economy ministry have not responded to requests for comment regarding the potential tariffs. The proposed tariffs are set to take effect on February 1, pending Trump's final decision.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 4 ameznews.inOpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly aiming to raise $40 billion in a new funding round that could elevate its valuation to an astonishing $340 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. Japan's SoftBank is leading this investment, negotiating to inject between $15 billion and $25 billion, potentially becoming OpenAI's largest financial backer. This move follows concerns raised by the launch of a cost-effective chatbot from Chinese startup DeepSeek, which has unsettled markets. The funding initiative comes just three months after OpenAI's previous round valued the company at $157 billion, highlighting the significant financial requirements for developing advanced AI models. The new investment aligns with the Stargate initiative, aimed at bolstering AI infrastructure in the U.S., with OpenAI committed to contributing approximately $18 billion. SoftBank, led by Masayoshi Son, has a history of successful tech investments but has faced challenges with other ventures.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 4 ameznews.inGroup Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to become the second Indian in space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission, as he pilots the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, scheduled for spring 2025. Currently serving in the Indian Air Force, Shukla has also been selected for India's Gaganyaan Mission by ISRO, which facilitated his participation in the Ax-4 mission. Commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the mission team has been training intensively, with Shukla expressing excitement about experiencing microgravity and potentially demonstrating yoga in space, as Sharma did. Whitson highlighted the importance of teamwork in this diverse international mission, building on previous successful Axiom missions, which began with Ax-1 in April 2022.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 11 pmeznews.inPanama's President Jose Raul Mulino firmly dismissed any negotiations with the United States regarding the ownership of the Panama Canal, emphasizing that the canal is "sealed" as Panama's territory. This statement comes ahead of a visit from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following President Donald Trump's claims that China is "operating" the canal, which the U.S. transferred to Panama in 1999. Mulino reiterated his commitment to discussing shared concerns like migration and organized crime with Rubio, despite tensions arising from Trump's plans for mass deportations affecting many from Central America. He highlighted Panama's enduring "privileged relationship" with the U.S., which has weathered ups and downs since the canal's construction in 1914. The canal is currently managed by the Panama Canal Authority, and Mulino rejected any notions of foreign interference in its operations.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 12 ameznews.inMarianne Faithfull, the iconic British singer and actress renowned for her 1960s hit "As Tears Go By," has passed away at the age of 78, according to reports from British media. Her spokesperson confirmed the news, stating, "It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull." The statement added that she died peacefully in London, surrounded by her loving family. Faithfull's contributions to music and film have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, and she is remembered fondly by fans and peers alike. Her passing marks the end of an era for a talented artist who navigated a remarkable career spanning decades. She will be greatly missed by all who appreciated her work.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a recent interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that President Donald Trump's interest in purchasing Greenland is serious and aligns with U.S. national interests. Trump has been vocal about his desire to acquire the autonomous territory of Denmark since his reelection campaign in November, even suggesting the potential use of military or economic pressure to facilitate the acquisition. Rubio emphasized that this matter is not a trivial pursuit but rather crucial for securing U.S. interests in the Arctic, particularly as shipping lanes become increasingly significant and as China seeks to expand its influence in the region. Despite Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede's firm stance that the island is not for sale and that its future is for its people to decide, Rubio indicated that the U.S. will continue to prioritize its Arctic interests over the next four years.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 12 am
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