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Pope Francis: 'I Am a Sinner, Mischievous Child'

In his newly released autobiography, "Hope: The Autobiography," Pope Francis reflects on his "mischievous" youth in Buenos Aires, sharing candid memories of his upbringing in a diverse neighborhood. The 88-year-old pontiff acknowledges his flaws, admitting, "I remember my sins and I am ashamed," and emphasizes his shared humanity as a sinner. He recounts the immigration journey of his Italian grandparents to Argentina in 1929, highlighting the ongoing relevance of such stories today. Surprised by his election as pope in 2013, he recalls never expecting to be directly affected by the conclave. Notably, Francis reveals he has not watched television since 1990 due to a vow made after witnessing a distressing scene, a sacrifice that has prevented him from enjoying matches of his beloved San Lorenzo football team. He expresses nostalgia for simple pleasures, lamenting his inability to go out for pizza, a cherished pastime from his days as a cardinal. sources

Published:
Jan 15 2025, 6 am

Lip Reader Reveals Obama, Bush's Inauguration Conversation: "How Can We

A hearing-impaired lip reader, Jackie Gonzalez, has attempted to decode a brief exchange between former US Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush during Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony. In a viral video, Gonzalez interprets Obama as saying, "Good to see you," before jokingly asking Bush, "How can we stop what's happening?" The context of the remark remains ambiguous, with some speculating it could refer to Trump's second term. Social media users reacted with amusement, suggesting that if Obama did make the comment, it was likely intended as a joke. Obama attended the ceremony solo, as his wife, Michelle Obama, opted to skip the event, marking her absence from both the inauguration and the recent funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Notably, all three former presidents—Obama, Bush, and Bill Clinton—also declined to attend Trump's traditional inaugural lunch. sources

Published:
Jan 22 2025, 7 am

Panama Protests Trump's Threat to Seize Canal at UN

Panama has lodged a complaint with the United Nations following US President Donald Trump's alarming suggestion to seize the Panama Canal, asserting that such threats violate the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force against another nation's territorial integrity. In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Panamanian government urged the matter be referred to the UN Security Council. Trump's comments, made during his inaugural address, reiterated concerns about China's influence over the canal, which the US handed over to Panama in 1999. In response, Panama's comptroller announced an extensive audit of the Panama Ports Company, a Hong Kong-linked operator of two key ports, to ensure compliance with concession agreements. President Jose Raul Mulino emphasized that the canal remains under Panamanian control, countering Trump's claims amid rising tensions over the strategic waterway, which is vital for US container traffic. sources

Published:
Jan 22 2025, 8 am

SoftBank, Oracle, OpenAI Plan $500 Billion AI Infrastructure in US

President Donald Trump has announced a significant $500 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, led by Japanese firm SoftBank, cloud computing giant Oracle, and OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. The initiative, named Stargate, aims to build the necessary physical and virtual frameworks for next-generation AI advancements, including large-scale data centers. OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, and Oracle's Larry Ellison attended the White House announcement, with the project set to begin in Texas and expand nationwide. The initial investment will be $100 billion over the next four years, with SoftBank and OpenAI taking lead roles in financing and operations, respectively. The venture is seen as a boost for U.S. national security and economic growth, particularly as the tech sector grapples with increasing AI demands. Notably, Trump also repealed an executive order from his predecessor that imposed oversight on AI development, leaving the U.S. without comprehensive national guidelines. sources

Published:
Jan 22 2025, 8 am

'Supergiant' Sea Bug Named After Darth Vader Unveiled

Scientists have identified a new species of "supergiant" sea bug in Vietnam, naming it Bathynomus vaderi after the iconic Star Wars character Darth Vader, due to its helmet-like head. This isopod can reach lengths of up to 32.5 cm (12.8 inches) and weigh over a kilogram, according to a study published in _ZooKeys_. The discovery occurred during research into culinary trends, as these giant sea bugs, known locally as "bo bein," have gained popularity as a delicacy, with their meat compared to lobster. Demand has surged, leading to a decrease in price from 2 million Vietnamese Dong per kilogram in 2017 to about 1 million by early 2024. While B. vaderi is impressive, it is not the largest isopod; that title belongs to B. jamesi, which can reach 50 cm. The find highlights the unexplored biodiversity of deep ocean habitats. sources

Published:
Jan 22 2025, 8 am

Quad Issues Strong Warning to China in Trump 2.0 Meeting

On his first full day in office, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened a Quad ministerial meeting with counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan in Washington, where they issued a strong warning against any coercive attempts to alter the status quo in the Indo-Pacific, a clear reference to China's maritime actions. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values and territorial integrity. They condemned unilateral actions that threaten the region's stability, particularly concerning Taiwan. The meeting, significant as it occurred shortly after the inauguration of the Trump administration, highlighted the prioritization of countering China's influence. Additionally, plans were discussed for a Quad summit in India, reflecting the group's ongoing focus on regional security amid rising tensions with China, particularly in the South China Sea. Rubio reiterated the U.S. commitment to deter any potential Chinese aggression toward Taiwan. sources

Published:
Jan 22 2025, 8 am

Trump Warns EU Tariffs, 10% Rate on China Ahead

US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on the European Union and hinted at a 10 percent duty on Chinese imports, potentially effective from February 1. Speaking at the White House, Trump criticized the EU for trade imbalances and accused China of exacerbating issues related to fentanyl trafficking. He expressed intentions to "straighten out" the EU's trade practices, suggesting that tariffs or increased purchases of American oil and gas could be on the table. Meanwhile, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the bloc's readiness to negotiate with the US while defending its interests. Trump also signed an order to investigate various trade issues, which could lead to additional tariffs. As global reactions vary, Europeans express concern about Trump's return, while other nations view it as a potential benefit for international relations. sources

Published:
Jan 22 2025, 6 am

Trump Withdraws Secret Service Protection from John Bolton

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he has withdrawn Secret Service protection for his former national security advisor John Bolton, citing that such security cannot be provided for life. Bolton, 76, who has faced threats, including an alleged Iranian assassination plot, expressed disappointment but not surprise at Trump's decision. During a White House briefing, Trump criticized Bolton, labeling him a "very dumb person" and revoking his security clearance, claiming Bolton disclosed sensitive information in his memoir. Bolton highlighted the ongoing threats against him, referencing a 2022 criminal case against an Iranian official linked to the plot against him, and contrasted his treatment with that of former President Joe Biden, who extended his protection in 2021. The State Department has offered a $20 million reward for information regarding the alleged Iranian mastermind behind the assassination attempt. sources

Published:
Jan 22 2025, 6 am

Trump Supports Both Sides of H-1B Visa Debate

US President Donald Trump expressed his support for the H-1B visa program during a news conference on Tuesday, stating he appreciates "both sides of the argument" regarding foreign guest workers. Trump emphasized the importance of allowing "very competent people" into the country, including those who can train others, and highlighted his own use of the program for various skilled positions beyond engineering, such as maitre d's and high-quality waiters. His remarks came amid ongoing debate within his support base, where some, including tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, advocate for the program to attract qualified professionals, while others argue it displaces American workers. Trump reiterated the need for skilled individuals to drive business expansion, ultimately benefiting the economy, and reaffirmed his belief in the value of the H-1B program for bringing talent into the United States. sources

Published:
Jan 22 2025, 6 am

Trump Administration Prioritizes India: First Meetings with S. Jaishankar

In a significant diplomatic gesture, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz held their inaugural international meetings with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Washington, D.C. Jaishankar's visit coincided with the inauguration of President Donald Trump as the 47th president. The meetings, which included a Quad ministerial gathering with counterparts from Australia and Japan, underscored the priority the new administration places on India within its foreign policy framework. During their discussions, Rubio and Jaishankar explored the extensive India-U.S. strategic partnership and addressed various regional and global issues. Jaishankar expressed optimism about future collaboration, highlighting the Quad's role in promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific. Following the meetings, he attended Trump's inauguration, where he described it as an "honor" to represent India, further engaging with key members of the new administration. sources

Published:
Jan 22 2025, 6 am

Chinese Influencer Scams Childless Woman of ₹66 Lakh Calling Her 'Mum'

An elderly Chinese woman, surnamed Tang, was defrauded of 66 lakh rupees (560,000 yuan) over two years by an online influencer who posed as her son, according to the _South China Morning Post_. The 70-year-old, who was unmarried and childless, fell victim to the scam after being drawn in by the perpetrator, identified as Mao from Shaanxi province, who claimed to help people with various issues. Initially sending small gifts during Mao's live streams in 2021, Tang was later convinced to buy fake health products and lend him money. Mao even traveled over 1,000 kilometers to meet her, reinforcing their fabricated mother-son bond through emotional videos. Tang's suspicions grew when Mao became less communicative, prompting her to report him to authorities by late 2023. Police tracked him down using a photo of his car, leading to a 10.5-year prison sentence and a fine of 11.88 lakh rupees (100,000 yuan). sources

Published:
Jan 22 2025, 7 am

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