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Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Colombo's Independence Square on Friday as he embarked on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka aimed at enhancing regional ties and development cooperation. Greeted by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Modi's visit follows his recent trip to Thailand, where he engaged in bilateral talks and participated in the BIMSTEC Summit. Despite rainy weather, six senior Sri Lankan ministers welcomed him at the airport, reflecting the importance of the visit. Modi expressed gratitude on social media, stating he looked forward to the programs in Sri Lanka. His agenda includes inaugurating Indian-funded development projects in Anuradhapura and discussing the joint vision of "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future" with President Dissanayake. Additionally, local cultural leaders commended Modi's global promotion of Yoga, which has gained significant acceptance across Sri Lanka. 
Published: Apr 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed growing impatience with the stalled peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, warning that time is running out for Russia to prove its commitment to negotiations. Following discussions with NATO ministers in Brussels, Rubio emphasized the urgency of the situation, suggesting that within weeks, it will be clear whether Russia is serious about achieving peace or merely stalling for military advantage. Amidst conflicting demands—Russia seeks recognition of its annexation of Crimea and a halt to Ukraine's NATO ambitions, while Ukraine calls for total Russian withdrawal and security guarantees—European leaders are increasingly concerned about US priorities in negotiations. Additionally, Rubio urged NATO allies to boost military spending to strengthen the alliance's presence in the region. Meanwhile, European military leaders are exploring troop deployments to ensure compliance with any potential ceasefire, a move Russia has firmly opposed.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA harrowing video retrieved from the phone of a deceased aid worker in Gaza appears to contradict Israeli military claims regarding an attack that killed 15 humanitarian personnel on March 23. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that the video, filmed from a moving vehicle, shows ambulances with flashing lights amidst heavy gunfire, directly challenging the Israeli military's assertion that they targeted "suspicious vehicles." The footage captures the final moments of the aid workers, who were responding to emergency calls in Rafah, and includes a medic reciting the Islamic declaration of faith as gunfire erupts. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned the killings, raising concerns of potential war crimes, while calls for an independent investigation into the incident have intensified. The bodies of the victims, found in a mass grave, were reportedly still in their uniforms, underscoring the tragedy of the attack.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA pro-life activist was physically assaulted during a street interview in New York City on Thursday. Savannah Craven Antao, a reporter for the advocacy group Live Action, was punched in the face by an unnamed woman while discussing abortion and pro-life perspectives. The incident, captured on video, escalated as the two engaged in a heated debate about the ethics of abortion. Antao was left bloodied and cut after the woman struck her twice, forcing her off-camera. The altercation began when the interviewee expressed disagreement with Antao's views, claiming, "You don't understand the magnitude of having a child." Antao retorted, referencing the interviewee's earlier comments about being "OK with killing babies in foster care." The exchange quickly turned violent as the woman interrupted Antao and delivered the blows before walking away from the scene.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to implementing sweeping tariffs on global imports, warning of potential economic pain but promising historic investment and prosperity. As a 10 percent "baseline" tariff took effect, Trump declared an end to the US being a "whipping post" in international trade, stating the nation is poised for an economic revolution. However, the tariffs, particularly a sharp 34 percent on Chinese goods coming next week, have already provoked retaliatory measures from Beijing, which plans to impose similar tariffs and pursue legal action at the World Trade Organization. Wall Street and global markets reacted negatively, with fears of recession looming. While certain imports, including pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, are temporarily exempt, further investigations into other goods could lead to additional duties. The new tariffs, described as the most extensive since the 1930s, could push the average US tariff rate to 24 percent, raising concerns about inflation and economic growth.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inJaguar Land Rover (JLR) announced on Saturday that it will suspend shipments to the United States in April due to the impact of new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. The UK luxury car manufacturer emphasized the significance of the U.S. market for its brands and stated that the pause is part of its strategy to adapt to the changing trading conditions. A spokesperson for JLR indicated that the company is currently working with business partners to navigate these challenges while developing both short-term and longer-term plans. The decision highlights the ongoing effects of international trade policies on automotive manufacturers and their operational strategies.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia and the United Arab Emirates have reached an agreement to establish an energy hub in Sri Lanka, as announced by India's Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday. This pact, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka—the first by a global leader since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office in September—aims to enhance India's influence in the region amid growing competition with China. The hub will be located in Trincomalee and will feature a multi-product pipeline, potentially utilizing a World War II-era tank farm linked to Indian Oil Corp. The UAE's involvement is seen as vital in this strategic venture. Additionally, Modi inaugurated a $100 million solar power project and both nations completed their debt restructuring process, addressing Sri Lanka's $1.36 billion debt to Indian banks. Agreements on power grid connectivity, digitalisation, security, and healthcare were also finalized.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA chance encounter between American streamer IShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins Jr., and a Donald Trump impersonator in Chongqing, China, has gone viral on social media. During a city tour, IShowSpeed was taken aback when his local guide, Chen Rui—who uses the English name Ryan—began to speak in a voice remarkably similar to that of the former US President. In a now-famous video, IShowSpeed exclaimed, "You sound like Trump!" as Chen fully embraced his impersonation, prompting laughter and amazement. Comments on the clip highlighted the accuracy of Chen's portrayal, with one user noting, "That voice alone is incredibly accurate." Chen, who has never visited the US, developed his impersonation skills through years of practice and gained a significant following on Instagram, boasting over 342,000 followers. His rise to fame coincided with the US TikTok ban, redirecting attention to alternative platforms.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a revealing interview with Hamilton College President Steven Tepper, former US President Barack Obama candidly addressed the strains in his marriage to Michelle Obama, acknowledging he was in a "deep deficit" during his eight years in office from 2009 to 2017. He admitted to making efforts to strengthen their bond through fun activities, highlighting the toll his demanding presidential duties had taken on their relationship. Obama noted the relief of being out of the White House, which has allowed for more quality time with his wife. Michelle has also been open about their marital challenges, stating in a 2022 interview that there were years when she "couldn't stand" her husband. Amidst swirling rumors of infidelity, particularly involving actress Jennifer Aniston, the couple has attempted to counter speculation by sharing affectionate posts on social media, reaffirming their commitment to one another.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 4 pmeznews.inLord Charles O'Hagan, the 79-year-old godson of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has died following a head injury that led to a subdural hematoma. He passed away on March 23 at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple, though the circumstances surrounding the injury remain unclear. Born Charles Towneley Strachey O'Hagan, he maintained a close relationship with the royal family throughout his life, having been made a godson by the Queen when she was still Princess Elizabeth. A graduate of Eton College and New College, Oxford, Lord O'Hagan served as a Member of the European Parliament for Devon from 1973 to 1975 and again from 1979 to 1994. His familial connections included his mother, Lady Mary Sophia Palmer, who served as Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen. Lord O'Hagan was married three times and had one daughter, Nino Natalia O'Hagan Strachey.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn the wake of President Donald Trump's announcement of significant tariffs on foreign goods, American consumers are rushing to stockpile essentials before prices rise. Reports indicate a surge in purchases of items such as laptops, smartphones, apparel, and automobiles, particularly those assembled outside the U.S. With a 32% tax on imports from Taiwan and a staggering 52% on those from China, shoppers are keen to beat the impending price hikes. Popular clothing brands like Gap and H&M, which source a substantial portion of their products from countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh, are seeing increased sales. Furthermore, consumers are also buying foreign foods, gym equipment, and home appliances, all expected to become more expensive due to the tariffs. Trump’s tariffs, described as a "Liberation Day" for American industry, are set to affect around 60 trading partners, with the initial 10% tariff already in effect.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 2 pm
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