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Pope Francis made a historic visit to Rebibbia prison in Rome on Thursday, where he opened a special "Holy Door" as part of the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, marking the first time a pope has performed this act at a prison. Speaking to hundreds of inmates, guards, and staff, the pontiff emphasized the importance of hope during difficult times, urging those present not to lose faith. This Jubilee, which began on Tuesday and will run until January 6, 2026, is dedicated to the theme of hope and is a time for peace, forgiveness, and pardon. Traditionally, Holy Years occur every 25 years and involve the opening of four Holy Doors in Rome, symbolizing salvation. The Vatican noted that this event is significant, given that the tradition of Holy Doors began in 1300 with Pope Boniface VIII. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has consistently advocated for the rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 5 pmeznews.inAn Israeli military operation on Friday has rendered the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last major health facility in northern Gaza, inoperable, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The raid reportedly caused significant damage, destroying key departments, while around 60 health workers and 25 critically ill patients, including those on ventilators, remain trapped inside. Israel's military justified the operation by claiming the hospital was being used as a stronghold by Hamas militants, a charge the group vehemently denies. The WHO expressed deep concern for the patients' safety and reiterated calls for a ceasefire, highlighting the systematic dismantling of Gaza's health system as a "death sentence" for thousands in need of care. Witnesses reported that many residents were forced to evacuate to nearby facilities amid ongoing violence, with the situation at the hospital described as "appalling" by the WHO.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 7 ameznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that several wounded North Korean soldiers died after being captured by Ukrainian forces, accusing Russia of sending them into battle with insufficient protection. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as Ukraine and its allies allege that North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to support Russian military efforts. In his address, Zelensky noted that North Korea has suffered nearly 3,000 casualties since joining the fight, a figure corroborated by South Korea's intelligence service. The White House echoed these concerns, stating that North Korean soldiers are being viewed as expendable by their commanders. Meanwhile, military ties between North Korea and Russia have strengthened, with a recent defense pact taking effect. South Korea's military is reportedly preparing for further North Korean troop deployments and supplying artillery to Russia, amid rising tensions and concerns over potential arms support to Ukraine.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 7 ameznews.inThe US mission in India announced on Friday that it has issued over one million nonimmigrant visas for the second consecutive year, including a record number of visitor visas, reflecting the strong demand among Indians for travel to the United States. In 2024, more than two million Indians traveled to the US, marking a 26% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the State Department is set to establish a US-based H-1B visa renewal program in 2025, benefiting many Indian workers. The mission also reported that India has become the largest source of international students in the US, with over 331,000 students, including nearly 200,000 graduate students. Efforts to streamline visa processing have reduced wait times, and the embassy has introduced a new Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to enhance communication with American citizens in India. The US mission reiterated its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and providing exceptional consular services.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 7 ameznews.inUS President-elect Donald Trump has urged the Supreme Court to pause a law that would ban TikTok the day before his inauguration on January 20, unless it is sold by its Chinese owner, ByteDance. In a brief filed on Friday, Trump's legal team argued that the court should allow more time to address the complexities of the case, enabling him to seek a political resolution. Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok during his first term over national security concerns, has recently shifted his stance, expressing support for the app as a competitor to platforms like Facebook and Instagram. His lawyers clarified that Trump does not take a position on the case's legal merits but requests a delay in the divestment deadline of January 19, 2025, to allow his administration to explore potential solutions.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 4 ameznews.inOpenAI recently launched a voice service in the US, allowing users to call toll-free number 1-800-ChatGPT for assistance on a variety of topics, from recipes to historical insights. This initiative aims to make AI more accessible to those without smartphones or high-speed internet, offering 15 minutes of free service per month. However, concerns have emerged regarding user privacy, including questions about call recording and data usage. Users must agree to OpenAI's privacy policy before engaging with the service. Meanwhile, OpenAI has announced plans to transition from a non-profit to a Public Benefit Corporation, enabling it to raise capital more effectively. This restructuring faces potential legal challenges, notably from co-founder Elon Musk, who has sought to halt the transition. The move marks a significant shift in OpenAI's operational approach as it aims to balance profit-making with public benefit.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 4 ameznews.inIn a significant anti-terror operation in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, two security personnel were killed and 11 others injured, including a Major, during clashes with militants in the Mulla Said Banda area of Bajaur district on Friday. The operation, aimed at countering terrorist activities, resulted in casualties among the militants, although the exact number remains unconfirmed, according to security officials. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistani forces in combating terrorism in the region.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 3 ameznews.inA plane crash in Kazakhstan has tragically resulted in the deaths of 38 individuals, including both pilots, from the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 jet, which was en route from Baku to Grozny with 67 people aboard. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing near Aktau due to severe weather, with 29 passengers surviving the incident. Video footage showed survivors being rescued from the rear section of the plane, typically regarded as the safest area during crashes. The airline's president lauded the pilots for their heroism in prioritizing passenger safety. Ongoing investigations are examining potential damage from a Russian anti-missile system, although Russian officials have denied any involvement. The crash has heightened concerns regarding air safety amid recent military activity in the region, including drone attacks. The plane's black box has been recovered, and its analysis is underway to ascertain the cause of the tragedy.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 12 ameznews.inAn air strike targeted Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Friday, as reported by Houthi rebels who attributed the attack to "US-British aggression." This incident follows a series of deadly Israeli raids in the region. Witnesses in the capital confirmed hearing the blast, although there was no immediate response from Israel, the United States, or Britain regarding the claims. The Houthi statement reflects ongoing tensions in the area, highlighting the complex interplay of regional powers and their involvement in the conflict. As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful of the implications of such military actions in Yemen.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 12 ameznews.inIn a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers from Northwestern University have achieved quantum teleportation over standard fibre optic cables, paving the way for advanced communication technologies. This innovative process, led by Prem Kumar, involves the use of "quantum entanglement," allowing the instantaneous transfer of information between particles, regardless of distance. The team successfully managed light scattering to protect delicate quantum information from interference, enabling the teleportation of a quantum state of light in real-world conditions. Kumar described the achievement as a pathway to integrate quantum and classical networks on existing internet infrastructure, highlighting its potential to revolutionise computing with applications in secure encryption and global quantum computer connectivity. The development represents a substantial leap towards a quantum internet, capable of operating almost at the speed of light, thus opening new horizons for secure and efficient data transmission.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 10 pmeznews.inArgentina, once among the world's wealthiest nations, has faced a severe economic crisis for the past 25 years, culminating in the election of libertarian economist Javier Milei as president a year ago. Known for his radical views and controversial policies, Milei has implemented sweeping reforms, including slashing government spending by a third, cutting subsidies, and devaluing the peso by 54%. These measures have exacerbated poverty, with over 53% of Argentines now living below the poverty line, the highest level in 30 years. Despite the economic pain, Milei maintains stable approval ratings, largely due to his attacks on the political establishment. While some economic indicators show improvement, growth remains elusive, and the country still grapples with high inflation and capital controls. As opposition figures like former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner regain influence, the political landscape remains volatile, with Milei's future hinging on external financial support, particularly from the U.S. and the IMF.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 11 pm
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