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MUMBAI: In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch arrived in Dhaka after a 15-year hiatus to engage in bilateral talks with her Bangladeshi counterpart, Md Jashim Uddin. This visit comes amid rising tensions in India-Bangladesh relations, with allegations that Pakistan is fostering anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus's administration has pivoted towards China, raising concerns over Pakistan's renewed influence in the region. The discussions, taking place at the Padma state guest house, are expected to set the stage for further engagements, including a visit by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar later this month. The meeting occurs against a backdrop of historical grievances, with Bangladesh recently lifting a ban on Pakistani student admissions, reflecting a potential thaw in relations despite ongoing concerns about extremism and the erasure of Bangladesh's independence legacy. 
Published: Apr 16 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe White House has launched a revised Covid-19 website that promotes the controversial lab leak theory as the "true origins" of the virus, marking a significant shift from its previous focus on vaccines and testing. The updated site features an image of former President Donald Trump and criticizes pandemic policies under President Joe Biden, particularly targeting former chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci for advocating the natural origin narrative. It presents five points supporting the lab leak theory, highlighting Wuhan's proximity to a major SARS research lab and its history of biosafety issues. While US intelligence agencies, including the FBI and CIA, have recently leaned towards the lab leak theory, China has dismissed these claims as politically motivated. The site also critiques earlier public health measures and accuses previous officials of censoring alternative treatments. This overhaul coincides with significant layoffs at health agencies as the Trump administration seeks to restructure its approach to public health.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 6 ameznews.inCanada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has identified China as a significant threat regarding foreign interference and an emerging concern in the Arctic, labeling it the country's biggest security challenge during a recent debate. Speaking at a news conference in Niagara Falls, Carney emphasized the need for Canada to counteract Chinese influence, criticizing Beijing's partnership with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict and its implications for broader Asian stability, particularly Taiwan. As the Liberal Party leads in polls ahead of the April 28 election, Carney also addressed Canada's ongoing trade tensions with the United States, asserting that Canada would not retaliate dollar for dollar but acknowledged a shift in shared values and engagement levels with its southern neighbor. He highlighted potential trade opportunities beyond the U.S. and China, suggesting deeper ties with regions like Europe and ASEAN.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 6 ameznews.inPope Francis, 88, continued to limit his public appearances due to health concerns, missing the annual Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum for the third consecutive year. The pontiff, still recovering from a severe bout of double pneumonia, did not attend the Via Crucis, a solemn re-enactment of Jesus' crucifixion that draws thousands of Catholic faithful. The Vatican confirmed that Francis personally authored the meditations for the ceremony, which addressed pressing issues such as war, economic struggles, and the role of women in the Church. This year marks the second time in his 12-year papacy that he has penned these reflections. The Vatican has yet to announce whether he will participate in other Easter services this weekend, following his absence from a related event on Thursday, which was attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family. Good Friday leads to Easter, the pivotal celebration of Jesus' resurrection.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 6 ameznews.inYemen's Houthi rebels have pledged to intensify military operations against Israel and the United States following deadly airstrikes on the Ras Isa oil port that resulted in at least 74 fatalities and numerous injuries. In a statement, the Houthi-controlled armed forces declared their commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause until Israeli aggression in Gaza ceases and the blockade is lifted. The US airstrikes, described by Central Command (CENTCOM) as aimed at crippling the Houthis' economic capabilities, targeted their fuel and revenue sources. Since mid-March, the US has conducted operations against Houthi assets, including oil refineries and missile sites. President Donald Trump has promised to employ "overwhelming force" to prevent Houthi threats to shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis have retaliated with missile strikes against Israel, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 6 ameznews.inThe Pentagon has announced plans to reduce the number of U.S. troops in Syria to fewer than 1,000 in the coming months, as part of a strategic consolidation of forces. This decision reflects a shift in focus following significant defeats of the Islamic State (IS) group, which had once captured large territories amid Syria's civil war. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that U.S. Central Command would remain ready to conduct strikes against IS remnants, despite the troop reduction. The U.S. has been involved in Syria since 2014, supporting local forces like the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against IS. Although President Trump previously expressed skepticism about U.S. involvement in Syria, the U.S. military presence has persisted. Meanwhile, Iraq is also moving towards ending its coalition mission with the U.S., with plans to conclude by 2025.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 5 ameznews.inA motion has been tabled in the Scottish Parliament by Ash Regan, an MSP from the Alba Party, commending the work of the Glasgow-based Gandhian Peace Society for its report on "Hinduphobia in Scotland." The report, presented to the Cross-Party Group on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice, reveals alarming levels of prejudice, discrimination, and marginalisation faced by the Hindu community in Scotland. Regan's motion, which has garnered cross-party support, acknowledges the society's efforts in promoting awareness and fostering interfaith dialogue. The report highlights various forms of Hinduphobia, including hate crimes and cultural insensitivity, and calls for action to protect the rights of all citizens to practice their faith freely. The Gandhian Peace Society has hailed the parliamentary intervention as a historic step towards religious equality, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration to build a more inclusive society.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inCanada is preparing for a crucial election on April 28, featuring a tight contest between the Liberal Party, led by newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney, and the Conservative Party, headed by Pierre Poilievre. This election is significant as it marks the first absence of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the ballot in a decade. Carney, 60, a seasoned financial expert with experience leading the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, faces challenges due to his limited public office experience and French fluency. Poilievre, 45, a long-time MP known for his confrontational style, promises a return to "common sense politics" amid rising living costs. Meanwhile, Yves-François Blanchet of the Bloc Québécois aims to leverage Quebec’s unique concerns, while Jagmeet Singh of the NDP struggles with low poll numbers. Current polls show the Liberals at 43% in Quebec, with the Bloc at 23% and the NDP at 8.5% nationally.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inCanada is gearing up for its parliamentary election on April 28, 2025, with Prime Minister Mark Carney of the Liberal Party facing off against Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party. This election marks a close contest between the two major parties, with some unique features in the electoral process. Notably, even convicted criminals can vote, a rarity among democracies, while the Chief Electoral Officer and the Governor-General traditionally abstain from voting to maintain political neutrality. Additionally, the number of constituencies has increased from 338 to 343, though three northern territories still each hold just one seat. Voters have received cards detailing their polling information, though carrying these cards is not mandatory. Carney, a former central banker and first-time candidate, highlights the fact that a Prime Minister does not need to be a sitting MP, a distinction shared by several of his predecessors.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that the United States could abandon negotiations to end the Ukraine war within days if no significant progress is made by Moscow and Kyiv. This statement marked a shift in US messaging, following Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks in Paris, indicating Washington might "move on" if a ceasefire appears unattainable. Despite ongoing discussions and a recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump has struggled to secure major concessions from Moscow. While refraining from blaming either side, he emphasized the need for both parties to demonstrate commitment. Meanwhile, Russia continues its military assaults on Ukraine, claiming to target drone production sites and military airfields. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned these attacks as a "mockery," coinciding with a deal for Ukraine to grant the US access to its mineral resources. European allies are increasingly concerned about the US's approach to the conflict.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 1 ameznews.inA US judge has denied Sean "Diddy" Combs' request to postpone his sex-trafficking trial by two months, ruling that the motion was filed too close to the scheduled jury selection date of May 5, with opening statements set for May 12. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, with prosecutors alleging he exploited his business empire to abuse women from 2004 to 2024. His legal team argues that the sexual interactions were consensual. Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, sought the delay to prepare for new charges filed on April 4 and to obtain communications from an alleged victim. Federal prosecutors opposed the delay, asserting that the additional charges did not introduce significantly new allegations. The judge is also considering whether alleged victims can testify under pseudonyms. Combs has been in custody in Brooklyn since September.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 10 pm
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