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Three Indian women have been recognized in BBC's 100 Most Inspiring Women of 2024. Social activist Aruna Roy has dedicated over 40 years to advocating for the rights of India's rural poor, co-founding the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, which played a key role in the enactment of the Right to Information Act in 2005. Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat, a three-time Olympian and prominent voice against gender bias, has transitioned from sports to politics after leading protests against sexual harassment in wrestling. Pooja Sharma has challenged traditional gender roles by performing funerary rites for unclaimed bodies in Delhi, a task typically reserved for men in Hindu culture. Founder of Bright The Soul Foundation, she has conducted over 4,000 last rites in the past three years, embodying a commitment to societal change and compassion. They join an esteemed list that includes figures like astronaut Sunita Williams and Nobel laureate Nadia Murad.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 11 ameznews.inA striking photograph of the US Navy's HELIOS (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance) weapon system in action has gained significant attention online. The undated image, featured in the US Center for Countermeasures' annual report, shows the laser being fired from the USS Preble destroyer during a demonstration aimed at assessing its capabilities against unmanned aerial vehicles. Developed by Lockheed Martin, HELIOS employs a 60-kilowatt laser that can engage targets at light speed, offering both hard and soft kill options—destroying targets or disrupting their electronics. This comes on the heels of similar advancements in laser technology by other nations, including the UK's DragonFire and South Korea's 'StarWars Project', both designed to provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional missile systems for aerial defense. As military technology evolves, these innovations signal a shift towards more precise and efficient warfare solutions.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn a surprising turn of events, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged in a phone conversation with Elon Musk following accusations of anti-white racism from the billionaire. The dialogue was prompted by US President Donald Trump's threats to cut over $400 million in funding to South Africa, citing land confiscation and mistreatment of certain groups. Errol Musk, the billionaire's father, facilitated the call after being approached by Ramaphosa's adviser. While Trump's comments were linked to a recent land reform law aimed at addressing racial disparities, Ramaphosa emphasized that no land had been confiscated and expressed a desire for constructive dialogue with Trump. Elon Musk echoed Trump's sentiments on social media, criticizing South Africa's ownership laws. Errol Musk, meanwhile, expressed support for Trump's stance, questioning the justification for US financial aid to South Africa, particularly in light of ongoing issues with land ownership and economic disparities.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe US Postal Service (USPS) announced on Tuesday a temporary suspension of inbound parcels from China and Hong Kong, coinciding with President Donald Trump's implementation of new tariffs on Chinese imports. This halt, effective "until further notice," follows Trump's imposition of a 10 percent tariff and the elimination of the "de minimis" exemption, which previously allowed low-value packages worth $800 or less to enter the US duty-free. This exemption has come under scrutiny due to a significant rise in such shipments, particularly from Chinese online retailers like Shein and Temu. US officials have expressed concerns that the increase complicates security screening of goods. While the USPS did not specify the reasons for its suspension, the move is expected to impact various retailers, including Amazon, as Washington seeks to tighten regulations on incoming goods.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inA newly detected asteroid, designated 2024 YR4, poses a greater than one percent chance of colliding with Earth in December 2032, raising concerns among scientists about potential city-level devastation. Measuring between 130 and 300 feet wide, the asteroid was first observed on December 27, 2024, and its risk assessment has since increased, prompting the International Asteroid Warning Network to issue a memo detailing its possible impact sites, which include regions over the eastern Pacific and northern South America. While experts acknowledge the asteroid's destructive potential—comparable to the 1908 Tunguska Event—they emphasize that there is ample time to prepare and that the likelihood of impact may decrease as more observations are made. NASA's previous successful DART mission demonstrated the feasibility of deflecting asteroids, and alternative strategies, including laser propulsion and gravitational tugs, are under consideration. Officials reassure the public that monitoring and planning capabilities are in place.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inA magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck off the coast of North Maluku, Indonesia, on Wednesday, according to the country's geophysics agency. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 81 km (50 miles), did not trigger a tsunami warning. There were no immediate reports of damage, and Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident. Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its high seismic activity due to the convergence of tectonic plates, leading to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The region's geological characteristics make it particularly vulnerable to such natural events.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inA US military C-17 aircraft carrying approximately 200 illegal Indian immigrants is expected to arrive at Amritsar's Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, a delay from its initial morning schedule. The deportees, primarily from Punjab and surrounding states, were apprehended after overstaying their work permits. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed that state authorities will facilitate their return at the airport. Punjab's NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal expressed disappointment over the US government's decision, advocating for the immigrants’ permanent residency instead of deportation, and plans to discuss the situation with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar next week. Dhaliwal also urged Punjabis to avoid illegal migration, advocating for education and skill acquisition to secure lawful opportunities abroad. The crackdown on illegal immigrants has intensified following Donald Trump's presidency, affecting many from Punjab who entered the US through illicit routes.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 9 ameznews.inIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined his three primary objectives for Gaza during a press conference with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing that Israel aims to destroy Hamas's military capabilities and ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat. He expressed support for a hostage deal, stating, "I support getting all the hostages out and meeting all our war goals." Netanyahu, who was honored to be the first foreign leader invited to the White House under Trump, praised the US President for his policies that strengthen Israeli security, including the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem. He commended Trump for his leadership in securing the release of hostages and suggested that Trump's new approach to Gaza could "change history." The Israeli leader referred to Trump as Israel's greatest friend in the White House, highlighting the respect the Israeli people have for him.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 9 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump has ordered a cessation of American engagement with several United Nations agencies, including the Human Rights Council (UNHRC), citing perceived "anti-American bias." The White House has also suspended funding for the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA and initiated a review of UNESCO's financial assistance. Staff secretary Will Scharf stated that these measures are part of a broader examination of US involvement in the UN, given the disparities in funding among member states. Trump criticized the UN for being poorly managed and not fulfilling its purpose in conflict resolution, while UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric defended the organization's reforms and contributions to global security. The US is the largest contributor to the UN, currently owing $2.8 billion. This announcement coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit, amid ongoing tensions regarding UNRWA's operations and allegations of staff involvement in anti-Israel activities.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 8 ameznews.inForbes has unveiled its 2025 ranking of the world's most powerful countries, placing the United States at the top, followed by China and Russia. The list, which evaluates nations based on leadership, economic influence, political power, international alliances, and military strength, sees Israel rounding out the top ten. The US boasts a GDP of $30.34 trillion and a population of 345 million, while China follows with a GDP of $19.53 trillion and a population of 1.419 billion. Other notable rankings include the United Kingdom in fourth, Germany fifth, and South Korea sixth. India, with a GDP of $3.55 trillion and a population of 1.43 billion, ranks 12th. This ranking methodology was developed by BAV Group researchers from the Wharton School, in collaboration with US News & World Report.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 8 ameznews.inA senior Hamas official has condemned comments made by US President Donald Trump, labeling them a "recipe for creating chaos" in the Middle East. Trump suggested that Palestinians remain in Gaza due to a lack of alternatives, prompting Sami Abu Zuhri to assert that such remarks would only escalate tensions in the region. He emphasized that the focus should be on ending the occupation and aggression against Palestinians, rather than contemplating their displacement. Another Hamas leader, Izzat al-Rishq, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that Gazans have resisted attempts at forced relocation for over 15 months amid ongoing bombardments. He reaffirmed their deep-rooted connection to the land, stating that they will not accept any plans aimed at uprooting them from their homeland.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 6 am
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