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Joshua Riibe, the last person known to have seen missing Indian-American student Sudiksha Konanki, is urging Dominican authorities to release him from custody, where he has been held for several days without formal charges. Riibe's lawyer, Beatriz Santana, argues that his detention is unjust as he has not been named a suspect. Despite this, his passport has been confiscated, restricting his movements to the confines of a hotel under police supervision. Konanki, a 22-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, disappeared on March 6 while vacationing in Punta Cana with friends. Surveillance footage shows her at a beach with Riibe after a night of partying, but she has not been seen since. Authorities are scrutinizing Riibe's inconsistent statements regarding the events leading up to her disappearance, with his accounts ranging from seeing her in the water to claiming he rescued her from rough seas. 
Published: Mar 18 2025, 9 ameznews.inIsrael has intensified its military operations in Gaza, launching a series of deadly airstrikes overnight, marking the most significant escalation since a ceasefire was established in January. In a statement on social media, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee urged residents in specific areas near the border, including Beit Hanoun, Khirbet Khuza'a, Abasan al-Kabira, and Al-Jadida, to evacuate immediately. He described these neighborhoods as "dangerous combat zones" and advised civilians to seek safety in designated shelters in western Gaza City and Khan Yunis. The warning comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict, as the Israeli Defense Forces continue their operations against what they describe as terrorist organizations in the region.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inYemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for their third attack on American warships in 48 hours, targeting the USS Harry S. Truman carrier group with missiles and drones in the northern Red Sea. This escalation follows recent U.S. airstrikes on Houthi positions, which have ignited mass protests in Yemen, particularly in the capital Sanaa, where demonstrators chanted anti-American slogans. U.S. officials dismissed Houthi claims as disinformation, noting that their missiles were missing targets by over 100 miles. The U.S. has vowed to continue its military campaign until Houthi attacks on shipping cease, with President Trump warning Iran will be held accountable for the rebels' actions. Amidst these tensions, the United Nations has called for a cessation of military activities, while the Houthis threatened to escalate their offensive if U.S. strikes persist. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated Yemen's humanitarian crisis, with fighting largely paused since a 2022 ceasefire.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inPope Francis has called for an end to war and emphasized the importance of responsible journalism in a letter published by Italy's Corriere della Sera, as he recovers from pneumonia in hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff, currently hospitalized since February 14, urged for "calm minds" and highlighted that words carry significant weight, capable of connecting or dividing communities. He stated, "We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth," stressing the need for reflection amidst the devastation caused by conflict. Francis, whose health has stabilized following a critical period, noted that human fragility can clarify what truly matters in life. As he continues to receive treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital, he has been alternating between an oxygen mask and a cannula, while also managing to work and pray during his recovery.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his support for Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who has begun her return journey to Earth after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In a letter dated March 1, shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Modi inquired about Williams' well-being, recalling discussions about her during meetings with U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Williams, who arrived at the ISS on June 5, 2022, faced an extended stay due to propulsion issues with her original spacecraft, which was deemed unfit for return. She and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore were later reassigned to the NASA-SpaceX Crew-9 mission. As they undocked from the ISS for a 17-hour journey home, Modi conveyed heartfelt sentiments, stating that 1.4 billion Indians take pride in her achievements and eagerly await her return to India, extending warm regards to her family.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA mysterious yellow foam has appeared on South Australian beaches, prompting health concerns as over 100 surfers fell ill after visiting Waitpinga and Parsons Beaches. Symptoms reported include flu-like ailments such as itchy eyes, dry coughs, and sore throats. The foam, described as sludgy and glossy, has also been linked to a significant die-off of marine life, including fish, octopuses, and leafy sea dragons. Local surfer Anthony Rowland highlighted the issue on social media, sharing images of the dead marine creatures and warning that the foam could be spreading along the Fleurieu Peninsula. Experts suspect the foam may be linked to a harmful algal bloom, potentially exacerbated by high temperatures and stagnant water. In response, health officials have temporarily closed the affected beaches as investigations into the cause of the foam and associated fish mortality continue.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant expression of rising anti-American sentiment, French entrepreneur Romain Roy has opted to boycott Tesla electric vehicles, incurring an additional cost of $164,000 to support European manufacturers. This decision comes amid growing frustration with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. environmental policies. Roy, whose company specializes in photovoltaic panels, previously integrated Tesla vehicles into its fleet but has since canceled a substantial order, citing the need to take a stand against what he perceives as reckless behavior harming the environment. He criticized both Musk and former President Donald Trump for prioritizing profit over ecological concerns and for fostering a trade war with Europe. This sentiment is echoed across Europe, with a movement in Denmark advocating for a boycott of U.S. goods, and reports of vandalism at Tesla dealerships in Germany and France, highlighting a broader backlash against American products.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inRussia's defence ministry reported on Tuesday that its air defence units intercepted and destroyed 46 Ukrainian drones overnight, with the majority downed over the Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine. According to the ministry's statement on Telegram, 41 of the drones were shot down in Belgorod, while others were targeted in the Bryansk, Kursk, and Oryol regions. The governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, confirmed one injury and damage to several homes resulting from the drone attack. Meanwhile, Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of Bryansk, reported no immediate injuries or damages in his region. Ukraine has not commented on the incident, although it has previously stated that its drone strikes aim to disrupt Russian military infrastructure in retaliation for ongoing attacks on Ukrainian territory since the conflict began three years ago.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inUkrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha asserted on Tuesday that Kyiv is not a barrier to achieving a peace agreement with Russia, expressing confidence in the possibility of a just and lasting resolution under US President Donald Trump. Speaking at a conference in New Delhi, Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is awaiting clarity on the peace process, particularly following a scheduled conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin later that day. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has persisted for three years, and Sybiha's remarks highlight Ukraine's readiness to engage in dialogue aimed at ending hostilities. The foreign minister's comments reflect a hopeful stance towards diplomatic efforts, amid a backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAn earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale struck western Nepal on Tuesday morning, with its epicentre located in Batulasain, Achham district, approximately 450 km west of Kathmandu. The tremor occurred at 6:33 am, but authorities from the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre reported no immediate damage or casualties resulting from the quake. This incident follows a previous earthquake of magnitude 4.1 recorded in Baglung district on March 8. Despite the tremors, residents and officials remain vigilant, as Nepal is situated in a seismically active region.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inHarvard University has announced an expansion of its financial aid program, offering free tuition to students from families earning $200,000 or less annually, effective from the 2025 academic year. This initiative is part of Harvard's ongoing commitment to enhance educational accessibility for middle-income families. Harvard President Alan M. Garber emphasized that this move broadens the diversity of student backgrounds and experiences, enriching their academic environment. Currently, the university already provides full coverage of tuition, housing, and food for students from families earning $85,000 or less. Under the new plan, students from families earning up to $100,000 will have all expenses fully covered, while those earning between $100,000 and $200,000 will receive free tuition with additional aid available. Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Hopi Hoekstra, highlighted that this investment ensures all admitted students can pursue their academic goals, regardless of financial circumstances.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 2 pm
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