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Pope Breathes Without Mask After Respiratory Failure: Vatican

Pope Francis, 88, is currently hospitalized in Rome's Gemelli hospital for pneumonia, marking his 19th day in care. The Vatican reported that the pontiff has transitioned from using an oxygen mask to receiving high-flow oxygen via a cannula, following two episodes of acute respiratory failure caused by mucus accumulation and bronchospasm. Despite his condition being described as "reserved," he remains alert and has been able to communicate with officials. Medical experts express concern about his prolonged hospitalization and repeated respiratory crises, particularly given his age and previous lung surgery. While Francis has not appeared in public for nearly three weeks, he has expressed gratitude for the global prayers supporting his recovery. The Vatican confirmed that no visits were planned for Tuesday, as the pope continues his treatment and physiotherapy amidst ongoing health challenges. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 6 pm

Massive Iceberg Grounds Near Remote Antarctic Island

The world's largest iceberg, A23a, has reportedly run aground approximately 70 kilometers from South Georgia, a vital wildlife habitat, according to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). This massive iceberg, weighing nearly one trillion tonnes and measuring over twice the size of Greater London, has been drifting north since 2020, raising concerns about potential collisions with the island that could disrupt local wildlife, including penguins and seals. However, BAS oceanographer Andrew Meijers noted that if the iceberg remains grounded, it is unlikely to significantly impact the region's wildlife. In fact, the nutrients released from its grounding may enhance food availability for local species. While A23a poses no threat to shipping, researchers highlight the ongoing effects of climate change, with ice loss from Antarctic shelves accelerating significantly since 2000, contributing to rising sea levels. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 9 pm

Two Car Bombs Strike Pakistani Military Compound, Six Dead

At least six civilians, including three children, were killed in a suicide attack on a military compound in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on Tuesday evening. The attack involved two explosive-laden vehicles that were rammed into the entrance of Bannu Cantonment, resulting in massive explosions and a subsequent assault by militants attempting to storm the facility. Security forces engaged in a gunfight with the attackers, reportedly killing four militants. The Hafiz Gul Bahadur armed group claimed responsibility for the assault, stating that their fighters had successfully targeted an important location. As of now, the exchange of fire is ongoing, with security forces actively pursuing the remaining attackers in the region, which borders Afghanistan and has a history of militant activity. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 9 pm

Zelensky Regrets Trump Dispute After US Halts Ukraine Aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a desire to mend relations with US President Donald Trump following a recent public disagreement in the Oval Office. In a post on X, Zelensky described their previous meeting as regrettable and emphasized the importance of constructive cooperation to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. His comments come in the wake of Trump halting military aid to Ukraine, a move that Russia hailed as beneficial for peace. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's readiness for negotiations to end the conflict, proposing initial steps such as a prisoner release and a ceasefire. He acknowledged the critical role of US support in maintaining Ukraine's sovereignty, particularly noting Trump's provision of military aid. Additionally, Zelensky indicated Ukraine's willingness to offer the US preferential access to its natural resources, a deal that was intended to be finalized during his visit to Washington before the diplomatic fallout. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 9 pm

Serbian Lawmakers Disrupt Parliament to Support Protests with Flares

Serbian opposition lawmakers staged a dramatic protest during the opening day of parliament's spring session on Tuesday, igniting flares and discharging suspected tear gas to express solidarity with ongoing anti-corruption demonstrations. The session, which marked the first since Prime Minister Milos Vucevic's resignation, was marred by chaos as opposition members threw eggs and water at ruling party officials while demanding action on student-led protests sparked by a tragic train station roof collapse last year that killed 15. Parliamentary speaker Ana Brnabic condemned the protests, asserting that the "colour revolution" had failed and vowing that the country would continue to progress. Amidst the turmoil, one lawmaker was hospitalized after a stroke, prompting an investigation into the use of pyrotechnics in the assembly. Outside, student protesters held a moment of silence for the victims and planned a major rally in Belgrade on March 15, as the movement continues to pressure the government for reforms. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 10 pm

Techie Sues University for Racial Bias After 16 Rejections

Nineteen-year-old Stanley Zhong and his father, Nan Zhong, are suing 16 US universities, including prestigious institutions like Stanford and MIT, after Stanley was rejected from 16 out of 18 colleges despite his outstanding academic record. With a 3.97 GPA, a 1590 SAT score, and a full-time job offer from Google at age 13, Stanley's rejections have led the family to allege that the University of California system discriminates against high-achieving Asian-American applicants. The Zongs claim their case reflects a broader pattern of racial bias in admissions, as detailed in a 300-page lawsuit created with AI assistance. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages while pursuing additional lawsuits against other schools. The teenager has temporarily paused his college aspirations amidst the controversy, opting to avoid media attention following backlash over their legal actions. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 8 pm

Palawan vs. Zheng He Island: China’s Claim Sparks Outrage

China's ongoing territorial disputes have recently intensified with claims by Chinese internet users asserting that the Philippine province of Palawan is part of China. These assertions, which have circulated on platforms like Douyin and RedNote since January, have provoked outrage among Filipinos, prompting officials in Manila to label them as "delusional" and part of a broader "propaganda" campaign. National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano dismissed the claims as "baseless and revisionist," emphasizing that Palawan has always been recognized as sovereign Philippine territory. A popular Chinese content creator, Travel Brother, garnered attention for his video asserting historical Chinese ownership of Palawan, which is over 1,500km from China. Filipino social media users and officials have firmly rejected these claims, reinforcing the island's status as an integral part of the Philippines, supported by no historical or legal evidence of Chinese sovereignty. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 8 pm

Humanoid 'Cop' Robots Patrol and Engage in China

Humanoid robots, donned in high-visibility police vests, are making their debut on the streets of Shenzhen and Guangdong, as reported by the _South China Morning Post_. These robots, which have gained viral attention on Chinese social media, assist police officers with patrol duties, showcasing capabilities such as waving, handshaking, and responding to voice commands. Developed by Shenzhen-based EngineAI, the PM01 robot stands 1.38 meters tall and weighs 40kg, featuring advanced motion capture technology and a smart control interface reminiscent of Iron Man. The initiative aligns with China's push for automation amid demographic challenges, including an ageing population and a shrinking workforce. The Chinese government views humanoid robots as crucial for economic growth and self-reliance, with plans for a sporting event in August where these robots will compete in various athletic challenges. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 8 pm

School Removes Mirrors to Encourage Students Back to Class

A school in England, William Farr Comprehensive in Welton, has taken the controversial step of removing all mirrors from its toilets, citing concerns that students spend excessive time in them, often congregating in large groups and making others feel uncomfortable. Headteacher Grant Edgar noted that this behavior has led to punctuality issues during transition times. Parents have expressed mixed reactions, labeling the decision as "silly," "a bit extreme," and "strange." Mr. Edgar stated that students in need of a mirror for medical reasons can request one at the reception. This move follows a similar decision in January 2024 by a middle school in North Carolina, where mirrors were removed to curb TikTok video creation during class time. Additionally, in 2023, Christopher Whitehead Language College in Worcester replaced mirrors in girls' toilets with posters critiquing makeup. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 8 pm

Study Finds Plastic Spoon's Worth of Plastic in Brain

Researchers have revealed alarming new findings about microplastics in human brain tissue, indicating that the average brain contains approximately a plastic spoon's worth of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). Published in the journal *Brain Medicine*, the study found that individuals with dementia had 3-5 times higher levels of MNPs, with concentrations in brain tissue being 7-30 times greater than in organs like the liver and kidneys. Dr. Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa expressed concern over the dramatic increase in brain microplastics over the past eight years, paralleling rising environmental levels. Of particular concern are particles smaller than 200 nanometers, primarily polyethylene, which may cross the blood-brain barrier. Researchers suggest that switching from bottled water to filtered tap water could significantly reduce microplastic intake. Other sources of exposure include plastic tea bags and heating food in plastic containers, prompting calls for alternatives like glass or stainless steel. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 6 pm

TikTok Profits from Child Livestreams, Takes 70% Cut: Report

A BBC investigation has revealed that TikTok is profiting from live-streamed sex performances involving girls as young as 15, despite the platform's previous denials of taking a 70% cut from gifts during these streams. In Kenya, young women have been found dancing suggestively and using coded language to solicit sexual services, often bypassing age restrictions with the help of older friends. A former moderator disclosed that TikTok's content guidelines are insufficient to address the nuanced sexual solicitation occurring on the platform. Additionally, a lawsuit in Utah alleges that TikTok has been aware of the exploitation risks associated with its Live feature but has ignored them for profit. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office has also initiated an investigation into TikTok's handling of personal data for users aged 13 to 17, amid concerns about the platform's practices regarding minors. sources

Published:
Mar 04 2025, 6 pm

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