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US Congressman Ro Khanna has urged Pakistan to refrain from retaliating against India following 'Operation Sindoor', which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Khanna, who described Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir as a dictator, called for immediate de-escalation of tensions that have escalated since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. In an interview with CNN, he emphasized the need for an "honest broker" to mediate between the two nuclear-armed nations, highlighting the historical context of their conflict rooted in colonialism. Khanna also demanded the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and fair elections in Pakistan, criticizing the current regime's legitimacy. The situation intensified as Pakistani artillery shelling resulted in civilian casualties in Jammu and Kashmir, following India's missile strikes on terror targets. 
Published: May 08 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe Taliban authorities have suspended chess across Afghanistan due to concerns that the game could promote gambling, which is prohibited under their interpretation of Islamic law. Atal Mashwani, a spokesperson for the sports directorate, stated that chess is viewed as a gambling activity, leading to its ban until religious considerations are resolved. The national chess federation has not organized events for two years, facing internal leadership issues. Azizullah Gulzada, a cafe owner in Kabul who hosted informal chess competitions, expressed disappointment over the ban, highlighting the game's popularity among young people seeking recreational activities. He noted that chess is played in other Muslim-majority countries, suggesting that the ban could negatively impact his business and the community. This move is part of a broader trend of restrictions on sports in Afghanistan, particularly affecting women, who have been largely excluded from participating in athletics since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. 
Published: May 11 2025, 9 pmeznews.inBilly Evans, the partner of jailed Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, has launched a new blood-testing startup named Haemanthus, aiming to raise over $50 million for its innovative diagnostics technology. The company plans to develop a machine that utilizes lasers to analyze blood, saliva, and urine samples for detecting cancer and infections, a concept reminiscent of Theranos' controversial claims about its own blood-testing capabilities. Haemanthus intends to initially focus on pet health before expanding to human diagnostics. Despite Holmes serving an 11-year prison sentence for defrauding investors, she has been advising Evans on the startup. Notably, venture capitalist James W. Breyer, who previously invested in Theranos, has declined to support Haemanthus, citing concerns about its similarities to the failed company. Holmes, once celebrated as a Silicon Valley visionary, was convicted in 2023 after a high-profile trial exposed her fraudulent practices. 
Published: May 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inRussian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct talks with Ukraine to seek an end to the ongoing war, a move welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire as a precursor to negotiations. Since the invasion in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties and heightened tensions between Russia and the West. Putin's offer, made during a televised address, suggests negotiations could occur in Istanbul without preconditions, although he has previously shown little willingness to concede. Zelenskiy responded positively but insisted on a "full, lasting, and reliable" ceasefire starting May 12. Meanwhile, Putin has faced pressure from major European powers for an unconditional ceasefire amid ongoing hostilities, including recent drone attacks on Kyiv. The Russian leader maintains that Ukraine must renounce NATO ambitions and accept Russia's territorial claims for peace talks to progress. 
Published: May 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has launched a controversial self-deportation initiative called "Project Homecoming," which offers undocumented migrants free flights and cash bonuses to leave the country voluntarily. Announcing the executive order in a video, Trump claimed the program would save taxpayers "billions and billions" of dollars, stating that illegal immigrants who choose to remain in the US would face severe penalties, including sudden deportation. The initiative allows migrants to book free flights via a new app, CBP Home, and offers a $1,000 stipend to incentivize departure. Trump emphasized that this approach is significantly more cost-effective than current deportation methods, which he noted cost over $17,000 per individual. He warned that those who do not comply could face harsh legal repercussions but hinted at potential pathways for return for those who leave voluntarily. This move is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown since taking office in January. 
Published: May 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn his inaugural address, newly elected Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) significantly influenced both his vision and his choice of papal name, referencing Pope Leo XIII's pivotal work on social issues during the Industrial Revolution. Prevost, elected on May 8 with a two-thirds majority from the cardinals, emphasized the parallels between the 19th-century industrialization and today's AI advancements. He stated, "The church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching... to confront the ethical challenges" posed by modern technology. The pope's remarks come amid discussions about AI's risks and ethical implications, echoing concerns raised by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had warned about the dangers of AI-driven misinformation. Pope Leo XIV is set to be formally installed on May 18, 2025, in St. Peter's Square, marking the start of his papacy. 
Published: May 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inRussian President Vladimir Putin has proposed new peace talks with Ukraine, reflecting on a previously abandoned draft deal from 2022 and acknowledging Russia's control over nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory. This initiative was met with a positive response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who emphasized that discussions could only proceed if Moscow agreed to an immediate ceasefire. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the talks would consider both the 2022 draft, known as the "Istanbul Communique," and the current situation. Initially, negotiations began shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, but they broke off in May. The draft suggested Ukraine adopt a stance of permanent neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees from major powers, while addressing Ukraine's potential EU membership and limitations on its military forces. However, territorial issues remain a significant challenge in achieving lasting peace. 
Published: May 11 2025, 5 pmeznews.inPope Leo XIV, in his inaugural Sunday address at St. Peter's Square, urged global leaders to pursue "no more war" and called for "authentic and lasting peace" in Ukraine, alongside an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. Reflecting on the recent 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, he lamented the ongoing "dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal," echoing sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Expressing deep concern for the suffering in Ukraine and Gaza, Leo emphasized the need for humanitarian aid and negotiations to resolve conflicts. He welcomed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, expressing hope for a lasting resolution between the nuclear-armed nations, while acknowledging the multitude of other global conflicts that persist. The pope's message highlighted the urgency for peace in a world still grappling with violence and strife. 
Published: May 11 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA Chinese man, known as Gao, narrowly escaped death after receiving acupuncture from an unlicensed practitioner in a cybercafe, as reported by the *South China Morning Post*. Gao's wife, Zhang, found the so-called "doctor" through a friend who claimed he could treat Gao's benign fibroma. Following the procedure, Gao suffered severe complications, including respiratory failure and a pneumothorax, leading to his urgent hospitalization in critical condition. Although he was saved after timely medical intervention, the unqualified practitioner, later identified as a self-taught "barefoot doctor," initially promised to take responsibility but subsequently vanished. Local health authorities are now pursuing legal action against him for illegal medical practice, which could result in a prison sentence of three to ten years. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with users criticizing the couple's decision to seek treatment from an unlicensed individual in such an unconventional setting. 
Published: May 11 2025, 5 pmeznews.inPakistan's High Commissioner to the UK, Mohammad Faisal, addressed the role of former US President Donald Trump in the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan during an interview with Sky News. The ceasefire, which took effect at 5:00 PM on Saturday, was notably announced by Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, rather than through military channels. Faisal expressed no doubt regarding Trump's claims of US diplomatic involvement, stating that it is beneficial for allies to assist in achieving peace. Trump subsequently praised the leadership of both nations for their courageous decision to halt aggression, emphasizing that their actions could have prevented significant loss of life. Following the ceasefire, residents of Kashmir experienced a rare night of quiet, free from the sounds of military activity, marking a moment of tentative normalcy in the region. 
Published: May 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA travel vlogger's recent post has highlighted an unusual legal requirement in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where it is illegal to wear high heels taller than two inches without a special permit. Zory Mory, the vlogger, shared this quirky rule while exploring the picturesque town known for its charming cobblestone streets. Originally enacted in 1963, the law aims to prevent accidents on the town's uneven sidewalks, which can pose tripping hazards, particularly for women in stilettos. Although the permit is free and easy to obtain from City Hall, it has become somewhat of a rite of passage for savvy visitors. While rarely enforced, the regulation is one of many “Carmelisms” that contribute to the town's unique character, alongside its lack of street numbers and the fact that Clint Eastwood once served as mayor. 
Published: May 11 2025, 2 pm
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