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Mehul Choksi, the owner of the Gitanjali Group, has been arrested in Belgium following a seven-year pursuit by Indian authorities over a ₹12,636 crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank. Choksi, 65, fled India in 2018 just before the fraud was uncovered, obtaining citizenship in Antigua through an investment programme. His earlier arrest in the Dominican Republic in 2021 for illegal entry did not lead to extradition, as he was released after 51 days. However, Indian agencies, including the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, tracked him to Belgium, where he was apprehended on April 12 while allegedly attempting to flee to Switzerland. Choksi's attempts to claim he was in Belgium for medical treatment and to cooperate via video-conferencing were rejected. His legal team plans to file for bail and contest his extradition, as Indian authorities prepare to bring him back for trial. 
Published: Apr 14 2025, 10 ameznews.inNearly a month into renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza aimed at pressuring Hamas for the release of hostages, the Palestinian group has received a new ceasefire proposal from Israel, communicated via Egyptian mediators in Cairo. The proposal suggests a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 10 living hostages, including Israeli-American Edan Alexander, and the release of 1,231 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Hamas is expected to respond within 48 hours, with officials indicating a desire to end hostilities but seeking guarantees from mediators that Israel will honor the agreement. The proposal includes private hostage releases and discussions on post-war scenarios, including disarmament. While Israel has not publicly commented on the proposal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly confirmed the intention to secure the release of the hostages involved, amidst ongoing pressure from families of the captives for a unified return.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inHarvard University has firmly rejected demands from the Trump administration to implement significant policy changes, including modifications to its diversity and inclusion initiatives, student and faculty authority, and hiring practices. In a post on Truth Social, President Trump threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, stating that the institution should be taxed as a political entity if it does not comply. Harvard President Alan Garber responded by affirming the university's commitment to its independence and constitutional rights, emphasizing that the administration's requests infringe on First Amendment protections. The administration's letter also warned of potential loss of billions in federal funding if Harvard fails to comply, prompting a swift rejection from the university. In response, Trump's Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced a freeze on $60 million in government contracts and $2.2 billion in multi-year grants, escalating tensions between the institution and the White House.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inRising global temperatures could lead to a nearly 50% increase in mental and behavioural disorders (MBD) such as schizophrenia and depression by 2050, according to a study from the University of Adelaide published in *Nature Climate Change*. The research highlights that high temperatures have already resulted in an annual loss of 8,458 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Australia, primarily affecting young people aged 15 to 44. Lead author Professor Peng Bi emphasized the urgent need for action to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change, warning that warmer regions face heightened risks. The study calls for targeted public health interventions, including heat-health action plans and community programmes, to support vulnerable populations and prepare healthcare systems for the anticipated rise in mental health challenges. Researchers stress that without immediate measures, the mental health crisis will escalate beyond what population growth alone would cause.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe United States has intensified challenges for Indian students seeking higher education due to stricter immigration policies, including the new scrutiny of visa applicants' social media by the USCIS. Despite these hurdles, interest in US institutions remains robust, particularly in STEM fields and emerging areas like artificial intelligence (AI), driven by the country's unmatched research environment and job opportunities. Enrollment in US universities surged by 23% for the 2023-2024 academic year, although uncertainty looms for 2025 amid evolving immigration regulations. Experts note that students are increasingly cautious, seeking clarity on immigration policies and considering alternative study destinations. The three-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period for STEM graduates remains a significant draw, alongside the presence of global recruiters and innovative ecosystems. Experts advise prospective students to apply early and maintain a clean digital footprint to navigate the visa process successfully. Popular fields include AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Indian Air Force (IAF) has affirmed that all missions conducted in Myanmar were successful, despite reports of GPS jamming and spoofing during relief operations following a recent earthquake. The IAF confirmed that Mandalay International Airport issued a NOTAM regarding potential GPS degradation, but assured that adequate precautions were implemented to ensure mission safety. The operations utilized C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules aircraft as part of Operation Brahma. GPS interference, which can significantly impact aircraft navigation, is increasingly observed in conflict zones, often attributed to military electronic warfare tactics. The IAF highlighted the risks associated with GPS spoofing, including the potential for controlled flight into terrain and misdirection into restricted areas. Recent incidents of GPS interference have also been reported near the India-Pakistan border, raising concerns about the safety of both civilian and military aircraft in these regions.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe trade standoff between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, is intensifying, with both sides facing significant challenges. As the US imposes increasing tariffs to pressure China into negotiations, experts warn that Beijing may possess greater leverage than anticipated. While the US remains a crucial market for Chinese manufactured goods, its dependence on China for electronics and machinery complicates the trade conflict. Recent exemptions for tech products from tariffs highlight this vulnerability. Additionally, China has been diversifying its trade routes, reducing reliance on the US market from 21% in 2016 to 13.4% last year, while increasing exports through Southeast Asian countries. President Xi Jinping's recent diplomatic efforts in the region further underscore China's strategic positioning. With control over a majority of global rare earth production, China holds critical leverage in this economic battle, complicating the US's ability to navigate the trade landscape without repercussions.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inMUMBAI: The Indian stock market has become the first globally to recover from losses caused by Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, with the NSE Nifty 50 index surging 2.4% as trading resumed after a holiday. This rebound brings the index back to its pre-tariff level from April 2. Global investors view Indian markets as "relatively safe" amid rising volatility, particularly due to ongoing tensions between the US and China. With a population of over 1.4 billion and strong domestic investment, India is better positioned to weather potential global economic downturns. The Reserve Bank of India has also cut interest rates to bolster investor confidence, while falling oil prices further support sentiment. Despite a recent slump, analysts emphasize India's growing manufacturing sector and potential trade deals with the US as key factors in its market resilience. Notably, India accounts for only 2.7% of total US imports, significantly less than China and Mexico.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a shocking incident at a film premiere in Mexico City on February 12, 1976, journalist Elena Poniatowska witnessed a dramatic altercation between two literary titans, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Mario Vargas Llosa. Seated next to Garcia Marquez, Poniatowska described how Vargas Llosa unexpectedly punched the Colombian author in the face, leaving him bleeding on the floor. The altercation was reportedly provoked by Vargas Llosa's grievances regarding Garcia Marquez's advice to his wife, Patricia, although the specifics of the dispute remain unclear. The incident, which became a sensational topic in the press, led to a long estrangement between the two writers, who eventually reconciled decades later when Vargas Llosa contributed a prologue to Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude." Poniatowska, now 92, recalled the moment with a mix of disbelief and nostalgia, underscoring the enduring complexity of their relationship.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inGeorge Bell, once recognized as the tallest man in the United States, has died at the age of 67. Standing at 7 feet 8 inches, Bell held the Guinness World Record for the tallest American in 2007. His passing was confirmed by the Norfolk Sheriff's Office in Virginia, where he served as a deputy from 2000 to 2014, who remembered him for his "kind and fun-loving personality." Bell died at his home in Durham, North Carolina, surrounded by loved ones, though the cause of death has not been disclosed. Known as the "gentle giant," Bell grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, and reached his height in his 20s due to gigantism. Before his law enforcement career, he played basketball at Biola University and was a member of the Harlem Wizards. Additionally, Bell appeared in entertainment projects, including "American Horror Story" and the reality show "Freakshow."
Published: Apr 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inHarvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood mogul, is set to face a retrial on rape and sexual assault charges starting Tuesday, following the overturning of his previous conviction. The New York Court of Appeals ruled that the handling of witness testimonies during his initial trial was unlawful, marking a setback for survivors who have been pivotal in the "MeToo" movement. Weinstein, 73, is accused of assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013, with both women expected to testify again. His lawyer, Arthur Aidala, suggested that public sentiment has shifted since the original trial, which featured protests against Weinstein. He maintains that all encounters were consensual. Weinstein is currently serving a 16-year sentence for separate charges in California and has faced accusations from over 80 women, highlighting the ongoing challenges survivors face in seeking justice.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 3 pm
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