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A jury is set to hear opening statements on Monday in the trial of Hadi Matar, who is accused of attempting to murder novelist Salman Rushdie during a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in New York in August 2022. Rushdie, 77, will be among the first witnesses to testify, having suffered multiple stab wounds that left him blind in one eye and severely injured. Matar, 26, has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder and assault, claiming he acted out of dislike for Rushdie, whom he accused of attacking Islam. The trial, delayed twice, is taking place in Mayville, New York, where Matar faces a maximum sentence of 25 years if convicted. Additionally, he faces federal charges of terrorism and providing support to Hezbollah, with a separate trial scheduled in Buffalo. Rushdie has lived under threat since the 1989 fatwa issued against him for his novel "The Satanic Verses." 
Published: Feb 10 2025, 6 pmeznews.inVivian Jenna Wilson, the transgender daughter of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has made startling claims regarding her father's use of sex-selective IVF during her conception. In a post on Threads, the 20-year-old, who changed her name from Xavier Musk, suggested that her father viewed her trans identity as a betrayal of his expectations, describing her assigned sex at birth as a "commodity that was bought and paid for." Wilson expressed outrage over the legality of such practices, questioning the moral implications of treating gender identity as a transaction. This revelation follows Musk's previous comments, where he claimed he was deceived into allowing his child's medical transition, alleging that he was misled about the situation during the pandemic. In past interviews, Wilson has characterized Musk as an absent and unkind father, particularly regarding her queer identity. The ongoing estrangement between them continues to unfold in the public eye. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inReliance Group's Jio Platforms Limited has entered into a partnership with SpaceX to offer Starlink's broadband services in India, pending regulatory approval. This agreement follows a similar deal between SpaceX and rival Bharti Airtel. Jio CEO Mathew Oommen emphasized that the collaboration aims to enhance broadband connectivity across the country, particularly in rural areas, by integrating Starlink's satellite technology into Jio's existing broadband ecosystem. The partnership will allow Jio to sell Starlink equipment through its retail and online platforms, while also providing customer service support for installation and activation. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to improve internet access for businesses and communities nationwide. Both companies are exploring additional ways to leverage their infrastructure to strengthen India's digital landscape. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticized the United States' decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium, labeling the move as "entirely unjustified" after Australia failed to secure an exemption. Speaking to reporters in Sydney, Albanese expressed disappointment, stating that the tariffs do not reflect the spirit of the enduring friendship between the two nations. He emphasized that such actions could harm economic relations and lead to slower growth and higher inflation. Despite the setback, Albanese ruled out any retaliatory measures from Australia. Earlier this year, he had indicated that an exemption was under consideration following a conversation with US President Donald Trump, but White House officials later confirmed that this was no longer the case. Australia, while a minor player in steel exports, remains a significant supplier of iron ore to the US. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a dramatic turn of events in Pakistan's Balochistan region, at least 155 hostages have been freed following a train hijacking by armed rebels on Tuesday. The Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 400 passengers, was intercepted in a tunnel while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The rescued individuals, comprising 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, have been taken to a nearby town, Mach, where a makeshift hospital has been established to assist them. The situation remains tense as Pakistani forces engaged in a gunfight with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) rebels, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 attackers. The fate of any remaining hostages aboard the train remains uncertain as authorities continue to respond to the crisis, which unfolded after the train service had been suspended for a month prior to the incident. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 10 ameznews.inA dramatic hostage situation unfolded in Pakistan's Balochistan region as armed rebels hijacked the Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 400 passengers. Security forces have successfully rescued 104 hostages, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, during an ongoing gunfight that has reportedly left at least 16 rebels dead. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility for the hijacking, has denied casualties on its side and threatened to execute hostages if their demands—release of political prisoners—are not met within 48 hours. The train was intercepted in a tunnel after the rebels blew up the tracks, prompting a military response that has faced challenges due to the mountainous terrain. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, while emergency desks have been established at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations to assist worried relatives. Balochistan has seen increased violence recently, raising concerns over regional stability. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe FBI's Denver Field Office has issued a warning about an alarming increase in cybercrimes linked to free online file converters. Cybercriminals are using these seemingly legitimate tools to install malware on users' computers, leading to potential data theft and ransomware attacks. A recent case in Colorado exemplifies this threat, as victims seeking free document conversion services unknowingly expose themselves to hidden malware that compromises personal information. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek emphasized the importance of public education to prevent such scams. The FBI advises users to be cautious, keep antivirus software updated, and scan files before opening them. If affected, individuals should contact their financial institutions, change passwords, report the incident at IC3.gov, and consider professional malware removal services. The agency continues to work on holding scammers accountable and providing resources for victims. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inAn Indian-origin man, Ranjeet Prasad, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in 2007. Found guilty of three counts of carnal intercourse against the order of nature, Prasad exhibited a lack of remorse during the trial, according to the prosecution. District Judge John Ng highlighted the abuse of authority, as Prasad had previously worked with young people at the People's Association, a state-run social services institution. The victim, who was initially excited about potential modeling opportunities, described feeling manipulated and confused during the encounters, which included sexual acts in a public toilet and a hotel room. Following the abuse, the victim struggled with his sexual orientation and ultimately reported the incidents in 2020. Prasad is appealing the conviction, while the People's Association stated it maintains strict standards of conduct and took immediate action upon learning of his arrest. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inA US Agency for International Development (USAID) official has reportedly instructed employees to shred a significant number of records, prompting government employee unions to seek a court order to halt the action. In a motion filed in Washington, DC, the unions referenced an email from acting executive secretary Erica Carr, which directed staff to clear classified safes and shred documents, raising concerns about potential violations of federal record-keeping laws. They argue that the destruction could hinder their case against the dismantling of USAID under former President Donald Trump, who is accused of overstepping his authority by firing employees and canceling agreements. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly dismissed the shredding reports as "fake news," asserting that the documents in question were outdated and that originals still exist digitally. A federal judge has ordered both parties to submit a status report regarding the lawsuit, as the legal battle continues over the agency's future. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inAs Donald Trump was inaugurated on January 20, 2024, he stood alongside some of the world's wealthiest individuals, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who were riding high on stock market gains. However, just seven weeks into his second term, these billionaires have collectively lost $209 billion in wealth, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The S&P 500 Index has dropped 6.4% since Trump took office, affected by mass layoffs and uncertainty around tariffs. Musk's net worth has plummeted by $148 billion, largely due to declining Tesla sales in Europe and China. Bezos, down $29 billion, has seen Amazon shares fall 14% since inauguration. Other notable losses include Sergey Brin ($22 billion), Zuckerberg ($5 billion), and Bernard Arnault ($5 billion), as their companies face market turbulence and regulatory pressures. The initial optimism surrounding Trump's policies has quickly dissipated, leading to significant financial setbacks for these tech titans. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inFrench President Emmanuel Macron convened military leaders from over 30 nations in Paris on Tuesday to devise a strategy for "credible security guarantees" for Ukraine amid ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. This meeting follows Ukraine's endorsement of a US-proposed month-long ceasefire and talks in Saudi Arabia, as Macron aims to galvanize European support in light of shifting US policies under former President Trump, who has expressed criticism of Ukraine's leadership. The discussions emphasized the need for long-term security guarantees linked to NATO capabilities, with Macron stressing the urgency for Europe to bolster its defense efforts. Upcoming talks will focus on the rearmament of Europe and military aid to Ukraine, with Macron indicating that any European troop deployment would occur only after a peace agreement is reached. Meanwhile, the EU plans to mobilize approximately 800 billion euros for defense initiatives, reflecting a significant commitment to enhancing military support for Ukraine. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 6 am
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