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LONDON: Russia's shadow fleet has come under renewed scrutiny following the latest round of Western sanctions targeting its oil sector, including sanctions against oil giant Gazprom Neft. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the number of oil tankers with unclear ownership or lacking proper insurance has surged, enabling Moscow to sustain its crude exports. The US has sanctioned over 180 vessels and major oil firms, while the UK has followed suit. According to the Atlantic Council, approximately 17% of all oil tankers now belong to this shadow fleet, which has expanded significantly since the conflict began. The Kyiv School of Economics warns that these vessels lack adequate protection and indemnity insurance, crucial for covering risks associated with maritime operations. Experts argue that enhanced international cooperation is essential to effectively enforce sanctions and close loopholes that allow Russia to maintain its shadow fleet operations. 
Published: Jan 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inMeta Platforms has announced the cessation of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which encompass hiring, training, and supplier selection, according to an internal memo shared with employees. This decision comes ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, as Meta seeks to improve relations with the incoming administration, which has criticized the company's political content policies. Janelle Gale, Meta's Vice President of Human Resources, cited evolving legal and policy frameworks surrounding DEI efforts, referencing recent Supreme Court rulings that may alter judicial perspectives on such programs. While Meta will continue to recruit from diverse backgrounds, it will abandon its "Diverse Slate Approach" and disband its dedicated DEI team. Chief Diversity Officer Maxine Williams will transition to a new role focused on accessibility. Employee reactions to the memo have been largely negative, with one describing it as "upsetting."
Published: Jan 11 2025, 2 ameznews.inAt President Jimmy Carter's funeral on January 9, 2025, an unexpected moment of camaraderie unfolded between President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama, drawing significant attention on social media. Trump remarked on their interaction, noting, "Boy, they look like two people that like each other," acknowledging their enjoyment of the ceremony despite their political differences. The service, held at Washington's National Cathedral, gathered five living former presidents, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and outgoing President Joe Biden, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Carter, celebrated for his humanitarian efforts and foreign policy contributions. Vice President Kamala Harris, present at the event following a contentious election loss to Trump, observed the exchange but did not engage with him. The moment has ignited discussions online, highlighting a rare instance of unity among former leaders, just days before Trump's upcoming inauguration.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 1 ameznews.inCanadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced on Friday that she will not enter the race to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, citing her focus on addressing potential US tariffs as a priority. Joly follows Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc in opting out of the leadership contest, emphasizing the need to prepare for retaliatory measures against threats from president-elect Donald Trump. Trudeau, facing internal party strife and poor poll numbers, has stated he will resign once a new leader is chosen, with the announcement set for March 9. Reports suggest that former finance minister Chrystia Freeland and ex-Bank of Canada governor may soon declare their candidacies. Polls indicate that the new leader will face significant challenges, as the Liberals trail the Conservatives after nine years in power, with the next federal election anticipated in May. Other potential candidates include Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and Transport Minister Anita Anand.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a significant move, the Italian Bishops' Conference has released new guidelines allowing young homosexual men to train as Catholic priests, provided they do not "support the so-called gay culture." The guidelines, approved by the Vatican and posted online, emphasize the necessity of celibacy and caution that those who openly express their homosexuality should be excluded from seminaries. A key section of the 68-page document addresses individuals with homosexual tendencies, stating that while the Church respects these individuals, those who practice homosexuality or endorse gay culture cannot be admitted to Holy Orders. Pope Francis, who has advocated for a more inclusive Church, has faced criticism for his contradictory remarks on the issue, including a recent use of a vulgar term in reference to perceived homosexuality in seminaries. This reflects ongoing tensions within the Church regarding LGBTQ acceptance amid traditional doctrines.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inWinds are expected to ease around Los Angeles, providing a crucial boost to firefighting efforts as five major blazes continue to devastate the region, resulting in at least ten fatalities and the destruction of thousands of homes. California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the National Guard to combat rising fears of looting, while nighttime curfews have been imposed in certain areas by Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. The wildfires have scorched over 35,000 acres, with the Pacific Palisades fire burning more than 20,000 acres and threatening key infrastructure. The financial toll could reach between $135 billion and $150 billion, making it one of California's worst disasters. Survivors are grappling with loss, as socialite Paris Hilton expressed her heartbreak over her Malibu home being reduced to ashes. Meteorologists predict a temporary decrease in winds, offering firefighters a vital opportunity to gain control over the blazes.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inMeta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, has implemented a fact-checking programme to combat misinformation on its platforms, collaborating with 80 media organisations, including AFP. Following CEO Mark Zuckerberg's announcement on January 6 to halt the programme in the U.S., Meta will transition to user-generated "community notes." Since 2016, Meta has relied on certified partners, like AFP and PolitiFact, to assess claims and provide accurate information. AFP’s 150 fact-checkers publish articles in 26 languages, debunking misleading claims with sourced evidence. When a fact-check is applied, the misleading post is demoted in visibility, and users are notified with links to the verified articles. While Meta compensates media organisations for articles linked to specific posts, it does not apply ratings to content from political figures. This fact-checking initiative is separate from Meta's content moderation efforts, which focus on removing posts that violate platform rules.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA tragic stampede at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on Friday resulted in the deaths of three women, as confirmed by the city's governor, Maher Marwan. The crush occurred during a civilian event where free meals were being distributed, organized by a social media influencer known as Chef Abu Omar, a YouTuber with a restaurant in Istanbul. The White Helmets rescue group reported that five children sustained fractures, while they successfully rescued a girl from the crowd. The incident highlights the potential dangers of large gatherings, particularly when public figures promote events that attract significant attention. Earlier in the day, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had visited the historic mosque, underscoring its importance as a cultural site. The incident has raised concerns about crowd control and safety measures at public events in Syria.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inWildfires in Los Angeles County have resulted in at least ten fatalities, the destruction of 10,000 buildings, and the evacuation of 180,000 residents, with damage estimates reaching up to $150 billion. Since Tuesday, five major blazes have ravaged the area, notably the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which have consumed 81 and 55 square kilometers, respectively. These fires, particularly destructive due to their proximity to residential neighborhoods, are among the most devastating in the county's history. Authorities report that the Palisades Fire alone has destroyed approximately 5,000 structures, while the Eaton Fire has impacted between 4,000 and 5,000. Amidst the chaos, police have arrested 20 individuals for looting, and a nighttime curfew has been imposed, with the National Guard deployed to assist in patrolling affected areas. Despite being smaller than previous California wildfires, the current blazes are proving lethal and catastrophic.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party has announced that a leadership vote will take place on March 9, 2025, following his decision to resign amid increasing pressure and internal dissent. Trudeau, who has been in power for nearly a decade, will remain as interim prime minister until his successor is chosen, allowing the new leader to prepare for the upcoming national elections by October 2025 at the latest. The party's president, Sachit Mehra, emphasized the importance of engaging in constructive debate as Liberals prepare for this transition. Candidates must declare their intention to run by January 23 and pay a fee of Can$350,000 (US$243,000). Trudeau's approval has waned due to public dissatisfaction over rising living costs, with recent polls showing the Liberals trailing the Conservatives by over 20 points. Potential frontrunners for the leadership include Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 9 pm
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