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Sean "Diddy" Combs, the influential rapper and music mogul, has begun trial in New York on serious charges related to a two-decade racketeering and sex trafficking conspiracy. The 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, and two counts of transporting for prostitution, facing potential life imprisonment if convicted. Prosecutors allege that Combs used his business empire to lure women with promises of romance or financial support, only to coerce them into drug-fueled sexual performances. They claim he maintained control over his victims through violence, drugging, and blackmail, presenting evidence including a cache of weapons and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil. Combs' defense argues that the sexual encounters were consensual and plans to challenge the credibility of the accusers, including former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who is expected to testify. The trial is anticipated to last eight to ten weeks. 
Published: May 12 2025, 7 pmeznews.inSince taking office on January 20, US President Donald Trump's tariff policies have created significant turmoil in financial markets and heightened uncertainty in the global economy. Key developments include the imposition of 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports and 10% on Chinese goods, aimed at curbing fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration. However, Trump has frequently altered his approach, pausing tariffs on Mexico and Canada after negotiations, delaying duties on low-cost Chinese packages, and exempting certain goods under the North American trade pact. Notably, he raised tariffs on steel and aluminium and announced a blanket 10% duty on nearly all imports. Following market upheaval, Trump paused most country-specific tariffs while maintaining the 10% blanket duty. Recent agreements with China have temporarily reduced reciprocal tariffs, but significant duties remain in place, reflecting ongoing tensions in international trade relations.
Published: May 12 2025, 10 pmeznews.inOperation Sindoor, India's recent counter-terrorism initiative, is currently on hold but not permanently concluded, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in a national address. He emphasized that the operation was suspended following Pakistan's promise to address its terror infrastructure, warning that any backtracking would lead to a resumption of precise strikes against terror camps. Modi highlighted India's capability to conduct drone and missile strikes that exceeded Pakistan's expectations, which prompted Islamabad to seek a ceasefire. He described Operation Sindoor as a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine, asserting that India would respond decisively to any terrorist threats, irrespective of Pakistan's nuclear posture. Modi also praised the effectiveness of domestically manufactured defense equipment used in these operations, underscoring a commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism and the need for Pakistan to dismantle its terror networks for lasting peace.
Published: May 12 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a significant development, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced an end to its armed struggle, marking a potential breakthrough in the long-standing Kurdish conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. This decision follows months of diplomatic efforts, initiated by a surprise proposal from Devlet Bahceli, leader of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's nationalist ally, the MHP. In a parliamentary speech, Bahceli suggested the early release of PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan if he renounced violence. Ocalan, who received a prison visit after 43 months, subsequently called for his militants to disarm in a letter read at a press conference. The PKK accepted this appeal, declaring an immediate ceasefire. Erdogan has warned of severe repercussions if the PKK fails to comply, while ongoing Turkish military operations against the group have raised tensions. The PKK's recent congress in Iraq included a videoconference with Ocalan, furthering the dialogue.
Published: May 12 2025, 11 pmeznews.inPanasonic Holdings, the Japanese electronics giant, is set to cut approximately 10,000 jobs globally, representing about 4% of its 230,000-strong workforce. The layoffs will affect 5,000 positions in Japan and 5,000 overseas, primarily targeting sales and indirect operations, and are expected to take place by March 2026. This restructuring initiative aims to enhance profitability amid a challenging consumer electronics market, where competition from Chinese rivals is intensifying. Panasonic anticipates incurring restructuring costs of around $896 million but projects a profit increase of $1 billion by March 2027 and $2.1 billion by March 2029. CEO Yuki Kusumi emphasized the necessity of these layoffs for improved performance and will return 40% of his compensation in light of the cuts. The company plans to redirect resources toward high-growth sectors like AI and energy storage while exiting less profitable areas, reflecting broader industry trends in response to evolving market demands.
Published: May 12 2025, 9 pmeznews.inApple is reportedly considering a price increase for its forthcoming iPhone series, set to launch this fall, but aims to distance these hikes from the impact of US tariffs on imports. As detailed in the _Wall Street Journal_, the tech giant plans to attribute the price changes to new features and designs rather than external economic factors, learning from Amazon's recent backlash over similar pricing strategies. CEO Tim Cook has noted that current tariff policies could add $900 million in costs this quarter, prompting Apple to shift more production to India to mitigate these expenses. The upcoming iPhone 17 is expected to feature an ultra-thin design, with potential upgrades including a 48-megapixel telephoto lens and the new A19 Pro chipset. This news comes amid a temporary pause in reciprocal tariffs between the US and China, aimed at easing trade tensions.
Published: May 12 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Taliban has imposed a ban on chess in Afghanistan, citing concerns that the game promotes gambling, which is prohibited under Islamic law. The Afghanistan National Chess Federation has also been suspended as the Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice stated that chess will remain banned until its compatibility with Islamic principles is confirmed. Sports directorate spokesperson Atal Mashwani emphasized that religious considerations are central to the decision. Former International Chess Federation president Kirsan Ilyumzhninov has expressed intentions to appeal to the Taliban leadership to reconsider the ban. This is not the first time chess has faced prohibition in Afghanistan; it was previously banned under the Taliban's rule in the late 1990s but had a resurgence after the 2001 regime change. The Taliban has been increasingly restricting freedoms since taking power in August 2021, affecting various aspects of life, including women's rights.
Published: May 12 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAmazon has terminated a delivery driver following a shocking incident in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, where she was caught on security camera defecating on the porches of two homes. Footage showed the driver, who was working for Amazon Fresh, appearing to deliver a package before relieving herself, with visible evidence left behind. The company expressed its "deep disturbance" over the behaviour and issued an apology to the affected customers. In a statement, Amazon confirmed the driver had been identified and is no longer employed. The incident has sparked a viral reaction online, with many condemning the act while others expressed concern about the working conditions for delivery drivers, suggesting that the pressure for efficiency may have contributed to the incident. Comments ranged from calls for portable toilets in delivery vehicles to critiques of broader societal issues in California.
Published: May 12 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA team of scientists from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne has discovered a small molecule capable of blocking cell death, offering potential new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. After screening over 100,000 chemical compounds, researchers identified a molecule that targets the protein BAX, known for its role in cell death by damaging mitochondria. Professor Guillaume Lessene expressed excitement over the finding, noting that inhibiting BAX could significantly reduce neuron cell death. Lead author Kaiming Li highlighted the breakthrough, stating that this approach could lead to next-generation cell death inhibitors aimed at combating degenerative conditions. The study, published in the journal *Science Advances*, underscores the potential for developing disease-modifying drugs, marking a significant step forward in the challenging quest to create effective therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
Published: May 12 2025, 7 pmeznews.inRussia and Ukraine are reportedly on the verge of resuming peace talks for the first time since early 2022, following the breakdown of negotiations that year. Initial discussions began on February 28, 2022, in Belarus, and continued in Istanbul, where Ukraine proposed becoming a neutral state in exchange for security guarantees from major powers. Key disagreements included the future size of Ukraine's military, language rights, and Russia's insistence on a veto over any military support for Ukraine. Talks collapsed by April 2022 as Ukraine gained ground in the conflict and Western support escalated. Current discussions may reference the 2022 drafts, but the dynamics have shifted, with Russia now demanding full control over four regions it claims. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that Ukraine will not recognize the occupation, although he acknowledges that some territory may need to be regained through diplomacy.
Published: May 12 2025, 8 pm
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