eznews.in
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is facing scrutiny from India's Parliamentary Standing Committee following comments made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding the 2024 Indian general elections. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey announced that Meta would be summoned to address allegations of misinformation after Zuckerberg suggested that incumbent governments globally, including India, lost elections post-COVID. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw refuted this claim, asserting that the Indian electorate reaffirmed their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 elections, which saw over 640 million voters participating. Despite setbacks for the BJP, the NDA coalition secured a majority, marking Modi's third consecutive term, a feat achieved by only one other Indian Prime Minister. Vaishnaw criticized Zuckerberg's remarks as factually incorrect and called for accountability from Meta to uphold credibility and facts. 
Published: Jan 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAn Israeli airstrike on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank has resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a 15-year-old boy, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The Israeli military confirmed the operation but provided no further details. Palestinian Authority spokesman Anwar Rajab condemned the raid, stating it undermines efforts to maintain security and disrupts national endeavors to protect the Palestinian people. The violence in the region has escalated since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, with at least 831 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank during this period, while 28 Israelis have died in related incidents. The situation in Jenin has been further complicated by recent clashes between Palestinian security forces and militants, reflecting tensions within Palestinian factions regarding resistance strategies against Israeli occupation.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 4 ameznews.inThe Republican-led US House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at restricting transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports at federally funded schools and universities. The legislation defines sex strictly based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth, effectively barring transgender students from female teams. While the House approved the bill with 218 votes, including support from two Democrats, its future in the Senate appears bleak, as Republicans are unlikely to secure enough Democratic votes to meet the 60-vote threshold. This legislative move comes amid heightened political discourse surrounding LGBTQ rights, with House Speaker Mike Johnson asserting that Republicans are championing women's rights. Advocacy group Equality California criticized the bill as an attempt to undermine the dignity of transgender youth, reflecting ongoing cultural tensions in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 4 ameznews.inSouth Korean authorities made another attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, following his controversial bid for martial law that has plunged the nation into a significant political crisis. Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) faced opposition from Yoon's guards, resulting in clashes as they attempted to enter his residence. Yoon, who directed soldiers to storm parliament in December to thwart lawmakers from voting against him, could become the first sitting president in South Korea to be arrested if the court-ordered warrant is executed. Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the importance of maintaining order and the rule of law, while police prepared for potential violence by wearing bulletproof vests. Amidst the chaos, Yoon's supporters gathered outside, protesting the warrant, as his impeachment trial commenced without his attendance, raising tensions further in the already volatile political landscape.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 4 ameznews.inPresident Joe Biden is set to lift the US designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, according to an announcement from the White House on Tuesday. This decision follows a comprehensive assessment that found insufficient evidence to support Cuba's classification as a terrorist state. A senior administration official indicated that the move is part of a broader agreement that will facilitate the release of imprisoned protesters in Cuba. The change in designation marks a significant shift in US-Cuba relations, reflecting a potential thaw in diplomatic ties between the two nations. The Biden administration's reassessment highlights ongoing efforts to address human rights issues while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 3 ameznews.inMeta is set to lay off around 3,600 employees, representing five percent of its workforce, as part of a performance management overhaul led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The decision, confirmed by the company, aims to eliminate low performers and bring in new talent to enhance overall productivity. This move follows a trend among major US corporations, with Microsoft recently announcing similar cuts affecting less than one percent of its staff. The layoffs come amid significant shifts at Meta, coinciding with Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House. Zuckerberg has increasingly aligned with conservative viewpoints, including hosting meetings with Trump and appointing a Republican to oversee public affairs. Additionally, Meta has discontinued its US fact-checking program, faced criticism for perceived censorship, and has relaxed certain content moderation policies across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 1 ameznews.inA security breach involving a French nuclear submarine has occurred after crew members inadvertently revealed sensitive operational details through the Strava fitness app. The officers, based at the Ile Longue submarine base in Brest, recorded their runs and jogs, inadvertently disclosing their location and patrol schedules, which could potentially be accessed by Russian intelligence. Despite strict security measures at the base, including biometric scanners and mobile phone bans, the use of smartwatches with third-party apps allowed this information to slip through. An investigation revealed that over 450 military personnel had been active on Strava at the secretive site. Notably, one officer documented his runs along the docks, revealing his patrol dates, while others similarly posted fitness updates. The incident raises concerns about operational security, as even bodyguards for world leaders reportedly use Strava, potentially exposing their movements as well.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 12 ameznews.inLos Angeles firefighters are preparing for intense winds that could exacerbate two major wildfires, which have already claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, predicting gusts of 50 to 70 mph from early Tuesday through Wednesday. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley warned residents that conditions are perilous, with new fires, including the rapidly spreading Auto Fire in Ventura County, emerging overnight. As of Monday, over 92,000 people were under evacuation orders, with two primary blazes—the Palisades and Eaton fires—burning thousands of acres with limited containment. Amidst ongoing firefighting efforts, authorities have arrested ten individuals linked to the fires, including one for arson. President Biden has announced additional disaster aid, while criticisms of California's management of water resources continue to mount from Republican leaders.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 10 pmeznews.inDonald Trump is set to address the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos via video link on January 23, just days after his inauguration as US president on January 20. WEF president Borge Brende highlighted that Trump's appearance will offer insights into the new administration's policy priorities, particularly as discussions at the forum will focus on the implications of his proposed tax cuts and trade tariffs, which have raised inflation concerns. The gathering, themed "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age," will also feature addresses from European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. Amidst ongoing global tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to speak about the conflict with Russia, while Trump faces pressure to address crises in the Middle East, alongside leaders such as Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa. The forum will host over 350 government officials and 900 CEOs.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi addressed the controversy surrounding the removal of the iconic photograph of Pakistan's surrender in the 1971 war from his office, which has been replaced by a new painting titled 'Karam Kshetra'. The decision has sparked criticism from army veterans, as the original image was taken down for maintenance but not returned to the army chief's office. General Dwivedi defended the change, emphasizing the importance of symbolism in connecting India's historical eras and reflecting a generational shift within the army. The new artwork, created by Lt Col Thomas Jacob, represents the army as a guardian of values and showcases India's evolution into a technologically advanced force. He clarified that the surrender painting remains at the Manekshaw Centre and urged critics to appreciate the cultural significance of the new piece, which incorporates elements of strategic wisdom and modern realities.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inSteve Jobs' transformative journey in India began with his intended visit to the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba in Uttarakhand, only to find the guru had passed away the previous year. Undeterred, Jobs immersed himself in the teachings at Kainchi Dham for seven months, adopting the orange robes of a Sadhu and returning to the U.S. with a notably changed appearance that left his parents unrecognizable. In a poignant reflection of her late husband's spiritual legacy, Laurene Powell Jobs recently attended the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Despite facing allergies, she is committed to participating in the sacred bathing ritual in the Ganga River. Arriving in Prayagraj with a 40-member team, Laurene, now known as "Kamala" by her guru, Swami Kailashanand Giri, has been actively engaging in meditation, Kriya Yoga, and Pranayama, highlighting her deep respect for Indian traditions and personal spiritual exploration.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 9 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact