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TikTok Removes Controversial 'Chubby Filter' After Backlash

TikTok has removed a controversial "chubby filter" following widespread criticism for promoting body shaming. The filter, developed by CapCut—a separate app under the same parent company, ByteDance—altered users' photos to make them appear overweight, leading to a trend where individuals shared humorous "before and after" images. Critics condemned the filter, arguing it perpetuated harmful stereotypes and fatphobia, with one user highlighting the negative impact on young women. In response to the backlash, TikTok announced it would review videos using the filter, make them ineligible for recommendations, and block them from teen accounts. The platform now displays a disclaimer when users search for the filter, emphasizing the importance of body positivity and providing resources for those struggling with body image issues. TikTok encouraged users to seek support and take care of one another amid the controversy. sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 10 am

United Airlines Pilot Sued for Arresting Passenger Over Bathroom Delay

A 20-year-old man from New Jersey, Yisroel Liebb, is suing United Airlines after a mid-flight incident where he claims a pilot forcibly removed him from the bathroom while his pants were down, leading to his arrest. The incident occurred on a flight from Mexico to Texas when Liebb took longer than expected in the restroom. Concerned for his absence, his seatmate alerted the crew, prompting a flight attendant to knock on the door. Liebb, who reportedly had constipation, informed them he would be out soon. However, the pilot allegedly broke down the door and dragged him out, exposing him to other passengers, while reportedly making derogatory comments. Upon landing, Liebb and his seatmate were arrested but released without charges, although they missed their connecting flight. The lawsuit claims injuries from the incident and seeks unspecified damages. United Airlines stated it had "nothing to share" regarding the lawsuit. sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 8 pm

Mehul Choksi Found in Belgium; India Initiates Extradition Process

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi is reportedly residing in Antwerp, Belgium, with his Belgian wife, Preeti Choksi, as Indian authorities initiate extradition proceedings for his alleged involvement in defrauding Punjab National Bank of ₹13,850 crore. Choksi, 65, who maintains his Indian citizenship, obtained an "F residency card" in November 2023, purportedly using misleading documents to secure his stay and resist extradition. He previously lived in Antigua and Barbuda but left for medical treatment, with plans to move to Switzerland for cancer care. Speculation surrounds his potential permanent residency in Belgium, which could complicate India's efforts to extradite him. Choksi has been a fugitive since fleeing India in January 2018, and a special court in Mumbai recently addressed his claims of being unable to return due to circumstances beyond his control. His nephew, Nirav Modi, is also facing extradition challenges in the UK related to the same fraud case. sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 8 pm

Columbia University's $400M Deal with Trump Administration Explained

Columbia University has capitulated to the Trump administration's demands by agreeing to implement substantial changes in exchange for the reinstatement of $400 million in federal funding, which was suspended earlier this month due to allegations of antisemitism on campus. The agreement includes banning face masks, empowering security personnel to remove or arrest individuals, and placing the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies department under new oversight. Critics, including Professor Jonathan Zimmerman, have condemned the move as a dangerous precedent for government control over academia, warning it could chill free speech and academic inquiry. The funding cuts have already disrupted vital medical and scientific research projects at the university. Columbia's decision follows the administration's broader crackdown on universities over alleged civil rights violations related to antisemitism, raising alarms about the implications of such governmental interference in academic institutions. sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 8 pm

Pope's First Public Appearance After Hospitalization This Sunday

Pope Francis is set to make his first public appearance on Sunday with a blessing from Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for pneumonia since February 14. The 88-year-old pontiff has missed the Angelus prayers for five consecutive weeks, marking the first such absence since his election in 2013. The Vatican announced that he will wave and offer a blessing following the midday prayers, although this hospital stay has raised concerns about his ability to manage the busy Easter schedule. While his health is reportedly improving and the use of an oxygen mask has been suspended, speculation regarding a potential resignation persists, echoing the decision made by his predecessor, Benedict XVI. Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin noted an improvement in the pope's condition during a recent visit, but he dismissed any discussions of resignation. Supporters continue to gather outside the hospital, leaving flowers and messages for the pontiff. sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 8 pm

Air India, Airlines Restart Flights to London Heathrow

Air India has resumed flights to and from London Heathrow after operational disruptions caused by a power outage on Friday. The outage led to the cancellation of numerous flights, affecting thousands of passengers from India and other locations. On Saturday, Air India confirmed that its operations had returned to normal, with flight AI111 on schedule and other services expected to operate as planned. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic also resumed flights, with British Airways anticipating that around 85% of its Saturday schedule would run, although delays were expected due to the recovery process. London Heathrow Airport announced that it was fully operational again and was working to assist passengers impacted by the outage, which originated from an off-airport substation. The airport's teams are focused on managing the aftermath of the incident while ensuring a smooth travel experience for customers. sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 7 pm

Heathrow Airport Resumes Full Operations After Fire Incident

Heathrow Airport is now "fully operational" following a significant disruption caused by a fire at a nearby power station that closed the airport for most of Friday. The blaze, which officials believe to be non-suspicious, affected approximately 1,350 flights, creating chaos for travelers. On Saturday, airport teams worked to support those impacted, with British Airways anticipating the operation of around 85 percent of its scheduled flights. To accommodate additional passengers, restrictions on overnight flights were temporarily lifted, allowing for an extra 10,000 travelers to be processed. Passengers are advised to check with airlines for the latest flight information. The incident has raised concerns about the resilience of critical travel infrastructure in the UK, prompting an investigation led by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, although there is currently no indication of foul play. Heathrow serves around 230,000 passengers daily, making it one of the busiest airports worldwide. sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 4 pm

Lebanon Warns of "New War" Following Israeli Retaliation

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has issued a grave warning about the potential for renewed conflict in Lebanon following Israel's commitment to retaliate against recent rocket attacks from Lebanese territory. Salam highlighted the dangers of escalating military operations along the southern border, which could lead to another devastating war for Lebanon. His remarks came after Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir vowed a severe response to the intercepted rockets, stressing Lebanon's responsibility to maintain the ceasefire agreement. The escalating tensions threaten the fragile truce that ended last year's conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with former Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu for failing to ensure security. In retaliation for the cross-border fire, Israel has conducted artillery and airstrikes, further straining the ceasefire. As the situation intensifies, Salam emphasized Lebanon's determination to control its own decisions regarding war and peace. sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 4 pm

Israel Responds to Rocket Attack with Strikes in Lebanon

In a significant escalation of tensions, the Israeli military conducted strikes on multiple sites in southern Lebanon on Saturday, following a morning rocket attack on Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered a robust military response, targeting what they described as "dozens of terror targets" in Lebanon. The military's actions come amid ongoing hostilities in the region, reflecting Israel's commitment to retaliate against threats to its security. This latest incident underscores the fragility of peace in the area, as both sides remain on high alert following the exchange of fire. The situation continues to develop, with potential implications for broader regional stability. sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 4 pm

Octopus Hitches Ride on Shark in Viral Video

Scientists were amused when they captured footage of a Maori octopus hitchhiking on a shortfin mako shark, one of the fastest shark species, in the Hauraki Gulf off New Zealand's North Island. The video, recorded in December 2023 and released recently, shows the orange-hued octopus clinging to the shark's back, prompting marine ecologist Rochelle Constantin to initially question whether it was entangled in fishing gear. After deploying a drone for a closer look, researchers observed the unusual interaction, noting that octopuses typically reside on the seabed, where mako sharks rarely venture. Social media users reacted with astonishment, calling the octopus "a genius" for its clever mode of transport. While it remains uncertain what happened after the 10-minute observation, the encounter highlights the ocean's wonders and the importance of conservation efforts to preserve such extraordinary moments. sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 12 pm

Elon Musk's Trans Daughter Speaks on His Political Views

Elon Musk's daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, has dismissed claims suggesting her transition influenced her father's political shift to the right. In a recent Teen Vogue interview, Wilson stated, "That's just not the case," asserting that Musk's evolving political views are not a result of her identity as a transgender woman. She criticized the narrative surrounding their relationship, emphasizing that Musk's move further right is unrelated to her. Wilson, who has not spoken to Musk since 2020, expressed relief at their estrangement and highlighted the disparity between online personas and real-life beliefs. Musk's political stance has notably changed over the past few years, particularly after his increased activity on social media, where he began sharing right-wing memes and conspiracy theories. This shift coincided with Wilson's coming out, during which Musk reportedly expressed feelings of loss regarding his son and attributed his political transformation to what he termed the "woke mind virus." sources

Published:
Mar 22 2025, 1 pm

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